Celestina Chapter 3-6

Chapter 4, Question 2
"I think people describe life's merry go round as their
fortune finds it, for the rich sing a different tune."
What is the book saying about class separation, and how it
affects people's thoughts about life and how they live it?

 

It is very evident that in this novel, Celestina, there is a major separation between the social classes.  Celestina is considered as an outcast.  She is just an old spinster, whore who many do not openly associate with.  For instance when Celestina goes to Melibea's house, Melibea's mother acts dumbfounded as to who Celestina is.  In reality, everyone knows very well who Celestina is and her reputation.  While in secrecy people often go to Celestina for various reasons (i.e. physical pleasure, thread, hymen reconstruction, match making, etc.), people do not admit to it amongst others.  Because Celestina is seen as a poor, outcast woman, it would ruin others' reputations to be seen with her.  Therefore, externally there is this facade of separation.  This class separation does affect how they live differently.  When Celestina first meets Melibea, she tells her that "richer are those who have nothing than those who are."  Basically, Celestina makes it a point to say that poor people have it easier because they do not have as many worries as the rich do.  The rich always have to wonder if what people are saying to them is fake or not.  They do not know what true friendship means.  Also, they have to worry about their own family wanting them dead so that they can inherit their money.  Therefore, the poor are more able to live their lives in peace. 

In Act Five Celestina tells Sempronio that they will both
get rich off of their plan. Are Clelstina’s words to be
trusted? Is Sempronio foolish for trusting her? Or does it
seem that Celestina is tricking everyone for her own
personal gain?

 As I have stated before, Celestina is a very peculiar woman.  She never really shows any sympathy for others, rather she is a bit selfish as she only cares about her own personal gain.  While she is selfish, she is still a likable character because she is so open and unforgiving about who she is.  Clearly Celestina's words are not to be trusted.  Rather than being the master in sex, she is the master of deception.  She uses her words to trick others.  She is very sneaky, and not once have we seen her not fool someone.  Sempronio is very foolish for trusting her.  She could care less about making him wealthy (in fact, she alludes to only giving the others a 'bit' rather than their whole share).  Celestina is obviously tricking everyone else for her own personal gain.  Calisto is a fool for being ''ill with love,"  Melibea is simply naive, and Sempronio is just a gullible fool.  Celestina has spent her entire life mastering the art of deceiving others.  Being a prostitute, she knows exactly how to read others' weaknesses, and she knows exactly what to do to take advantage of that.  She clearly exceeds all the other characters in intelligence.  However, if the others are dumb enough to fall into her trap, then why shouldn't she take advantage of that for her own personal gain?