The King, the Greatest Alcalde: Analysis of Major Characters
"The King, the Greatest Alcalde: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the complex dynamics of social class and honor in a feudal Spanish setting. The narrative centers around Sancho, a humble peasant, who is in love with Elvira, the virtuous daughter of another peasant, Nuño. Their plans for marriage are thwarted when Elvira is abducted by the lustful feudal lord, Don Tello, who represents the oppressive nobility. The character of Elvira embodies resilience and virtue, refusing to yield to Tello despite his attempts to dishonor her.
Feliciana, Tello's noble sister, serves as a voice of morality, urging her brother to consider the consequences of his actions. The story also introduces Pelayo, a comedic swineherd who plays a crucial role in bringing the king, Alfonso VII, into the conflict. Known for his sense of justice, the king ultimately intervenes, exposing Tello's villainy and ensuring that Elvira's honor is restored. This narrative not only highlights the struggles between social classes but also emphasizes themes of justice and redemption, showcasing the king as a protector of the oppressed. Overall, the analysis offers insights into the characters' motivations, the societal hierarchies of the time, and the moral implications of their actions.
The King, the Greatest Alcalde: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Lope de Vega
First published: El mejor alcalde, el rey, 1635 (English translation, 1918)
Genre: Play
Locale: Spain
Plot: Tragicomedy
Time: Sixteenth century
Sancho (SAHN-choh), a poor peasant of Spain who loves an equally poor girl, Elvira. Before he can marry her, she is abducted by the feudal lord, Don Tello. Sancho goes with Nuño, her father, to the castle to say they cannot believe a nobleman guilty of such a crime. They witness the lord's evidence of outrage at such rumors, then Elvira appears to reveal his villainy. Sancho and Nuño flee to escape being beaten to death. Sancho gives in to despair in spite of Nuño's certainty that his daughter would die rather than lose her honor.
Elvira (ehl-VEE-rah), the daughter of Nuño, a poor farmer. Because she loves Sancho deeply, when their wedding is delayed she agrees to let him visit her room, for they have already taken their vows before the priest. When she opens her door, she sees that the man waiting there is Tello, not her lover. Firm in her reverence for virtue and honor, she will not yield to him, but he later forces her. Then, with her honor lost, she declares that never again will she know joy.
Don Tello de Neira (TEH-yoh deh NA-rah), the feudal lord whose consent must be obtained before the marriage of his peasants. In the case of Sancho and Elvira, he agrees to the wedding before he sees the beauty of the girl, then he lusts after her. He decrees the postponement of the wedding because he plans to force her to spend the night with him and then go to Sancho the next day. That night, he and his servants go masked to her home and take her to his castle. He is unable to force her to come willingly to him, though he keeps her prisoner for a long time. Finally, enraged, he takes her to the woods and ravishes her there.
Feliciana (feh-lee-see-AH-nah), the noble sister of Tello, who pleads with her brother to remember his good name and honor and not to stain them through lust. Although she cannot convince Tello, the king later respects her efforts and at the end promises her his protection and help in finding a worthy husband.
Nuño (NEWN-yoh), the peasant father of Elvira, who knows that his daughter is virtuous and proud. His pleas for her release have no effect on his evil overlord.
Pelayo (peh-LI-yoh), a swineherd who provides much of the humor of the play. He is preeminent among Spain's graciosos or clowns. He accompanies Sancho to the court of King Alfonso of Castile and takes back the king's letter ordering Tello to release Elvira. He carries news of the nobleman's disobedience and refusal back to the king and persuades him to go personally to force the lord to return the girl to her father and her sweetheart.
Alfonso VII (ahl-FOHN-soh), the king of Leon and Castile, well known for his justice to high and low and therefore the “best alcalde” or governor. When Tello disobeys his written order, he goes in disguise to the castle, uncovers the truth, and reveals his identity to his rebellious subject. He then delivers his sentence: Because Tello has dishonored Elvira, he must marry her. Following the ceremony, he will be beheaded. As his widow, Elvira will inherit half his lands and gold for her dowry when she marries Sancho. The repentant Tello finds the decision just, as he has sinned against both his own honor and the king. The peasants, in this early social drama, bless the king's wisdom as well as his actions in righting the wrongs done by the nobility to the lower class.