The Last Lion, and Other Tales

"The Last Lion, and Other Tales" by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez is a compilation of short stories that examine subjects like custom, character, and the conflict between former times and the present day. The stories frequently take place in Spanish culture. The opening tale introduces Señor Vicente, an old tanner who stands for a fading period of skill and community. The story vividly shows Valencian life and history; as he talks with guild members, he considers his family's inheritance. While contrasted with modern guild members, he embodies the tension between old ways and new ideas. Finally, the character's mortality becomes emphasized through the ending, where the procession foreshadows themes of nostalgia and the inevitability of change.