The old Castilian

Mariano José de Larra wrote folklore articles where he portrayed Spanish customs and characters, as result of his observation.  They were brief articles found in literary newspapers and journals of the nineteenth century. Larra used to sign them under the pseudonyms of The poor little speaker or Figaro. In The old Castilian he criticises the customs and manners at the table.

Larra himself, as the character Figaro, participates in the story. Figaro meets Braulio, who invites him to lunch to celebrate his saint’s day. Braulio belongs to the middle class, but his manners and education are rude and not very delicate. He is an old, honest Christian man, so he thinks there should not be compliance between friends because of that. Besides, he has a high sense of patriotism; anything Spanish is the best of all: wine, education.

The lunch date was at two in the afternoon. In the meantime, his office mates and their families went to congratulate him, and the clock struck four, so they did not sit down at the table to eat until five o’clock. Braulio lends Figaro a huge jacket so that he wouldn’t get his tail coat dirty. The table was really small and during the meal the guests were sitting sideways and very close together. Figaro was between a five-year-old boy, placed on many cushions, and a stocky man who occupied three seats.

The food was endless with numerous dishes, none of which was well done. The husband (Braulio) blames his wife. She says she won’t prepare another meal at home. Her husband disagrees. Diners intervene to quell the dispute. The child throws an olive at Figaro’s eye. The fat man leaves the pits next to Figaro. A guest tries to carve the chicken but he doesn’t know how to do it properly and the chicken flies out of the plate. They try to catch it but the wine spills on Figaro’s shirt. The maid stains Figaro’s trousers as she cleared the table. And he is forced to recite and make up verses because he is a poet.

When finally he is allowed to go, he praises the modest stew and good manners and daily uses at the table. And he hopes to God to free him from the celebrations that turn an invitation into an event, because nothing comes out well.

Larra is in favour of a good education that respects people and enhances the rules of correction to avoid bothering and harassing guests, although for that it is necessary to stop being so frank. He would prefer to pretend (in order not to bother) rather than offend in the name of true affection and trust.

QUESTION 1: Who is Figaro?

1. The main character, who celebrates his saint’s day.

2. Pseudonym used by Larra

3. A five-year-old boy

4. The family pet

QUESTION 2: Where did the folklore articles appear?

1. On television

2. In the 18th century books

3. In newspapers and literary journals in the 19th century

4. In instalments

QUESTION 3: What time do the guests start having lunch?

1. They can’t attend because they are ill

2. At two o’clock

3. At four o’clock

4. At five o’clock

QUESTION 4: What does Figaro praise?

1.The modest stew and good manners and daily uses at the table

2. Plenty of food

3, All the celebrations and invitations

4. Friends