"L'escanya-pobres" by Narcís Oller is a novel written in the late 19th century. This work explores the life of Olaguer, a mysterious figure in the town of Pratbell, who garners both suspicion and jealousy from the townsfolk as he rises above his humble beginnings to become the owner of a grain storage facility. The story delves into themes of greed, social class, and the impact of wealth on human relationships as Olaguernavigates the complexities of his newfound status. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Olaguer, a former muleteer who suddenly opens a grain warehouse, raising eyebrows throughout the village. The townspeople speculate on his wealth, with some suspecting he’s involved in illicit activities. The opening details his peculiar lifestyle and the disdain he faces from his neighbors, as they consider him a miser and a paragon of avarice. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Olaguer’s life is a constant balancing act between his desire for wealth and the social rejection he encounters, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of his character and the societal norms of Pratbell. (This is an automatically generated summary.)