Bless Me, Ultima Chapters 13-16

     Within these four chapters there were several instances presented that both supported and went against my original prediction that Antonio will grow up on the llano as his father would like.  The first example came in Chapter "Catorce" or 14 on page 167.  In this point in the book Antonio is on his way home after witnessing Narciso warn Andrew that Tenorio is going after Ultima.  At this time there is a great storm which lowers visibility tremendously and causes it to be very difficult for Antonio to get home.  Yet, when reaching the light posts of the bridge Antonio said, "They signaled the dividing lie between the turbulence of the town and its  sins and the quiet peace of the hills of the llano" and "Beyond was home and safety, the warm arms of my mother, the curing powers of Ultima, and the strength of my father" (Anaya 167).  Not only do these statements suggest that Antonio wishes to live in the llano in the future, but it once again identifies the three most important influences in Antonio's life: His father, his mother, and Ultima, each with their different interpretations of life and how to live.  The next example, also in Chapter 14 goes against my original prediction as it foreshadows that Antonio will become a priest as his mother desires.  At this point in the book, Antonio has just witnessed Tenorio shooting Narciso and Antonio is debating what he should do.  He realizes that Narciso will die but there is no time to get a priest to give Narciso confession.  At first Antonio says "I am not a priest" (Anaya 170), but then he goes on to give narciso confession in a very professional manner (as if he were a priest).  obviously, Anaya is hinting that Antonio will become a priest yet he previous example goes against this.  Despite this, the next major example once again goes against my original prediction by suggesting that Antonio will follow the wishes of his mother.  It occurs when Antonio is reciting his catechism to his mother.  At this time, she says, "I hope you will use your knowledge to carry out God's will.  You are a very bright boy, you understand so much, you can be a great leader, a priest-I do not want you to waste your life in dreams, like your father.  You must make something of yourself, you must serve the people.  The people need good leaders, and the greatest leader is a priest-"(Anaya 179).  As if this wasn't a strong enough foreshadowing, Antonio agrees with his mother by saying yes.  The reason for this may be that Antonio hopes to please his mother in that moment yet there appear to be more and more hints as to Antonio becoming a priest and therefore, I predict that he will do just that.  Nonetheless, I have not forgotten influence o both his father and Ultima and I would not be surprised if my prediction was not correct.