Bless Me, Ultima Chapters 1-7

 



     To be honest, the beginning of this book has not been bad to read.  The only disadvantage of the text is the use of the Spanish language for many statements and conversations.  The plot is interesting and there seems to be several conflicts at once, both inside Antonio's mind and within his family.  His mother, Maria, hopes for Antonio to grow up and become a priest while his father hopes that he will grow up on the llano working off the land.  The religious tension within the family is caused by Maria's complete devotion to religion while Gabriel appears to be "sort of" religious.  The parents have even more differences, including the families that they are from.  This is identified when Antonio asks Ultima "Why are they [the Lunas] so strange and quiet? And why are my father's people so loud and wild?" (Anaya 41).  Ultima can only answer this question by saying it is part of their heritage, it is in their blood.  Another interesting aspect of Bless Me, Ultima is Ultima herself.  She appears mysterious and won't exactly say what Antonio's destiny is, yet she and Antonio appear similar in many ways and they form a strong friendship.
     I think that Antonio will end up living in the llano for the rest of his life as his father wishes.  I made this prediction based on the evidence in the beginning of Chapter 4.  At this part of the novel, Ultima and Antonio are in the hills of the llano gathering herbs and plant.  They are enjoying themselves  and they don't appear to have a care in the world.  Within this part, Anaya wrote "In the hills Ultima was happy" (Anaya 40).  Not only is Ultima happy in the llano but it is clear that Antonio enjoys it greatly also.  He likes gathering the herbs and learning there uses.  I think that this is a sign that he will remain in the llano.  In argument to this, someone could point out the fact that Antonio is religious, loves the Virgin Mary, and therefore will become a priest.  Despite this, Antonio and Ultima are similar enough that I think Antonio will live a life similar to Ultima's, one that avoids civilization and a full devotion to God.