Daniel Cuevas-
"But why didn't they call you sooner?" I asked.
"The church would not allow your grandfather to let me use my powers. The church was afraid that-" She did not finish, but I knew what she would have said. The priest at El Puerto did not want the people to place much faith in the powers of la curandera. He wanted the mercy and faith of the church to be the villagers' only guiding light.
Would the magic of Ultima be stronger than all the powers of the saints and the Holy Mother Church? I wondered.
This passage talks about topics like religion, the church and magic. Antonio questions whether Ultimas magic is stronger than the powers of the saints. In addition, I wonder if later on he will question the powers of the saints and their legitimacy. Moreover, I believe that religions were created to control the people. For instance, "..the priest at El Puerto did not want the people to place much faith in the powers of la curandera. He wanted the mercy and faith of the church to be the villagers' only guiding light." Anaya included this quote to show to the reader that Priests choose to manage its people and their decisions, taking away their freedom of liberty. Furthermore, the bible states that if you sin god will punish you for them. I believe that this was created to scare people into obeying the bible, because if they sin, they will be "punished by god." I am not going to lie, this is a pretty smart way into making people good citizens. However, I dont like the fact that it is all deception and lies. I predict that later on in Bless me Ultima, there will be another Eureka moment in which Antonio learns of the truth about the church and priests.
Thursday, August 29, 2019
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Blog #9
Daniel Cuevas-
"I will go with one understanding," Ultima cautioned. She raised her finger and pointed at both of them. The gaze of her clear eyes held them transfixed. "You must understand that when anybody, bruja or curandera, priest or sinner, tampers with the fate of a man that sometimes a chain of events is set into motion over which no one will have ultimate control. You must be willing to accept this responsibility." (Anaya, 85)
"Do you want to help your uncle, Antonio?" she asked.
"Yes," I replied.
"It will be hard," she said.
"I do not mind," I answered, "I want to help."
"And if people say you walk in the footsteps of a curandera, will you be ashamed?"
"No I will be proud, Ultima," I said emphatically. (Anaya, 90)
In this passage, Ultima decides to go fix Lucas's sickness and invites Antonio to help her. I believe that Anaya included this passage because he wanted to do a little bit of foreshadowing. For instance, when Ultima states that when someone plays with the fate of a man, there will be chaos. This foreshadows that someone may have their fate tampered and that crazy events will unfold. Moreover, because of this I predict that Tony will be that someone that gets his fate tampered with. In addition, another example of foreshadowing was when Ultima asks Tony if he will be ashamed if people see him following the ways of a curandera. Thus, I also predict that Tony's fate will be to become a curandera just like Ultima. I wonder what Antonios parents would think of him if he became a curandera like Ultima. Would they accept him? Would they be angry with him? Would they both agree with him being a curandera?Also, I wonder if Antonio will be satisfied and happy following in the footsteps of Ultima. I believe that he would enjoy being a curandero. Another thing that is mystery to me is the chain of events that would be set into motion if Tonys fate is altered.
"I will go with one understanding," Ultima cautioned. She raised her finger and pointed at both of them. The gaze of her clear eyes held them transfixed. "You must understand that when anybody, bruja or curandera, priest or sinner, tampers with the fate of a man that sometimes a chain of events is set into motion over which no one will have ultimate control. You must be willing to accept this responsibility." (Anaya, 85)
"Do you want to help your uncle, Antonio?" she asked.
"Yes," I replied.
"It will be hard," she said.
"I do not mind," I answered, "I want to help."
"And if people say you walk in the footsteps of a curandera, will you be ashamed?"
"No I will be proud, Ultima," I said emphatically. (Anaya, 90)
In this passage, Ultima decides to go fix Lucas's sickness and invites Antonio to help her. I believe that Anaya included this passage because he wanted to do a little bit of foreshadowing. For instance, when Ultima states that when someone plays with the fate of a man, there will be chaos. This foreshadows that someone may have their fate tampered and that crazy events will unfold. Moreover, because of this I predict that Tony will be that someone that gets his fate tampered with. In addition, another example of foreshadowing was when Ultima asks Tony if he will be ashamed if people see him following the ways of a curandera. Thus, I also predict that Tony's fate will be to become a curandera just like Ultima. I wonder what Antonios parents would think of him if he became a curandera like Ultima. Would they accept him? Would they be angry with him? Would they both agree with him being a curandera?Also, I wonder if Antonio will be satisfied and happy following in the footsteps of Ultima. I believe that he would enjoy being a curandero. Another thing that is mystery to me is the chain of events that would be set into motion if Tonys fate is altered.
Monday, August 26, 2019
Blog #8
Daniel Cuevas-
He paused at the gaily lit door and said, I will wait and not enter until you lose your innocence.
But innocence is forever, I cried.
You are innocent when you do not know, my mother cried, but already you know too much about the flesh and blood of the Marez men.
You are innocent until you understand, the priest of the church said, and you will understand good and evil when the communion is placed in your mouth and God fills your body.
Oh, where is the innocence I must never lose, I cried into the bleak landscape in which I found myself. And in the swirling smoke a flash of lightning struck and out of the thunder a dark figure stepped forth. it was Ultima, and she pointed west, west to Las Pasturas, the land of my birth.
She spoke. There in the land of the dancing plains and rolling hills, there in the land which is the eagles by day and the owls by night is innocence. There where the lonely wind of the llano sang to the lovers feat of your birth, there in those hills is your innocence.(Anaya, 71)
This passage is another one of Tony's dreams. This dream mentions a topic in Bless Me Ultima. This topic being innocence. In addition, innocence is a theme in Bless Me Ultima that follows Tony through out his experiences in Bless Me Ultima. This passage shows that Tony is no longer innocent and that he left his innocence behind on the day he was born in Las Pasturas. In our world innocence is used as a euphemism to refer to someones virginity, and in our society you are kind of pressured to lose your innocence; if you dont you can be singled out. I believe that this is not the meaning of innocence Anaya is using to convey his thoughts. I believe that Anayas "innocence" symbolizes maturity and Tony growing up into an adult. Furthermore, this passage also states that Tony is not innocent anymore because he knows to much. For instance, when it states, "but already you know too much about the flesh and blood of the Marez men." Moreover, Tony's experiences like when he saw Lupito get killed and the things hes seen have caused him to lose his innocence. Also, I am curious in what other ways Anaya used innocence.
He paused at the gaily lit door and said, I will wait and not enter until you lose your innocence.
But innocence is forever, I cried.
You are innocent when you do not know, my mother cried, but already you know too much about the flesh and blood of the Marez men.
You are innocent until you understand, the priest of the church said, and you will understand good and evil when the communion is placed in your mouth and God fills your body.
Oh, where is the innocence I must never lose, I cried into the bleak landscape in which I found myself. And in the swirling smoke a flash of lightning struck and out of the thunder a dark figure stepped forth. it was Ultima, and she pointed west, west to Las Pasturas, the land of my birth.
She spoke. There in the land of the dancing plains and rolling hills, there in the land which is the eagles by day and the owls by night is innocence. There where the lonely wind of the llano sang to the lovers feat of your birth, there in those hills is your innocence.(Anaya, 71)
This passage is another one of Tony's dreams. This dream mentions a topic in Bless Me Ultima. This topic being innocence. In addition, innocence is a theme in Bless Me Ultima that follows Tony through out his experiences in Bless Me Ultima. This passage shows that Tony is no longer innocent and that he left his innocence behind on the day he was born in Las Pasturas. In our world innocence is used as a euphemism to refer to someones virginity, and in our society you are kind of pressured to lose your innocence; if you dont you can be singled out. I believe that this is not the meaning of innocence Anaya is using to convey his thoughts. I believe that Anayas "innocence" symbolizes maturity and Tony growing up into an adult. Furthermore, this passage also states that Tony is not innocent anymore because he knows to much. For instance, when it states, "but already you know too much about the flesh and blood of the Marez men." Moreover, Tony's experiences like when he saw Lupito get killed and the things hes seen have caused him to lose his innocence. Also, I am curious in what other ways Anaya used innocence.
Thursday, August 22, 2019
Blog #7
Daniel Cuevas-
Miss Maestas gave me a crayon and some paper and I sat in the corner and worked at copying my name over and over. She was very busy the rest of the day with the other children that came to the room. Many cried when their mothers left, and one wet his pants. I sat in my corner alone and wrote. By noon I could write my name, and when Miss Maestas discovered that she was very pleased. (Anaya, 58)
In reference to my last blog, this passage further shows that Antonio is maturing at a pace greater than the other children of his age. Meanwhile Antonio is busy writing, some children are crying for their mothers and wetting their pants. What I realize is that Antonio is not like these other kids, he is different. For instance, Antonio thinks differently, he doesn't have the same thoughts as the other kids. In addition, something I have noticed about Tony is that he does not play with toys or have fun in the same ways as the other children. Even though Tony does not know how to do basic schoolwork, he can think critically because his experiences have strengthened his skills to choose from right and wrong. Furthermore, I predict that Antonio will be promoted into a higher grade, once his teacher notices how mature he is; so that he can be around children that are as mature as him. Also, I wonder if Tony will become aware that he is more mature than the other children. There have been times in my life when I have felt that the people in my grade were acting really immaturely, thus making me feel like I don't belong.
Miss Maestas gave me a crayon and some paper and I sat in the corner and worked at copying my name over and over. She was very busy the rest of the day with the other children that came to the room. Many cried when their mothers left, and one wet his pants. I sat in my corner alone and wrote. By noon I could write my name, and when Miss Maestas discovered that she was very pleased. (Anaya, 58)
In reference to my last blog, this passage further shows that Antonio is maturing at a pace greater than the other children of his age. Meanwhile Antonio is busy writing, some children are crying for their mothers and wetting their pants. What I realize is that Antonio is not like these other kids, he is different. For instance, Antonio thinks differently, he doesn't have the same thoughts as the other kids. In addition, something I have noticed about Tony is that he does not play with toys or have fun in the same ways as the other children. Even though Tony does not know how to do basic schoolwork, he can think critically because his experiences have strengthened his skills to choose from right and wrong. Furthermore, I predict that Antonio will be promoted into a higher grade, once his teacher notices how mature he is; so that he can be around children that are as mature as him. Also, I wonder if Tony will become aware that he is more mature than the other children. There have been times in my life when I have felt that the people in my grade were acting really immaturely, thus making me feel like I don't belong.
Blog #6
Daniel Cuevas-
She swept me in her arms and before I knew it she was crying on my shoulder. "My baby will be gone today," she sobbed.
"He will be all right," Ultima said. "The sons must leave the sides of their mothers," she said almost sternly and pulled my mother gently.
"Yes, Grande," my mother nodded, "its just that he is so small--the last one to leave me--" I thought she would cry all over again. "Go and wash, and comb," she said simply. (Anaya, 53)
This passage further shows how Antonio's mother treats Antonio and views him. She sees Antonio as her baby. As a result, I feel that Tonys mother is harming Tony by not letting him grow up and by treating him like a baby. Also, Tonys mother should give Tony some freedom and let him mature into a man. Further, Tonys mother fears that Tony will grow up, because she does not want another one of her sons to leave her, just like Tonys brothers did when they joined the war. In relation, Anaya reaches out to all the parents out there and shows them that their child will grow up and in order to help them positively, the parent should let their children become independent so that when they are older, they can fend for themselves. In addition, I wonder if Tonys mom will realize that Tony is maturing very quickly and she will stop babying Tony. Furthermore, I predict that Ultima will have a talk with Tonys mom about letting Tony grow up. Moreover, this passage is the start of a new adventure for Tony because he has never been to school before, which means he will obtain new knowledge and experiences.
She swept me in her arms and before I knew it she was crying on my shoulder. "My baby will be gone today," she sobbed.
"He will be all right," Ultima said. "The sons must leave the sides of their mothers," she said almost sternly and pulled my mother gently.
"Yes, Grande," my mother nodded, "its just that he is so small--the last one to leave me--" I thought she would cry all over again. "Go and wash, and comb," she said simply. (Anaya, 53)
This passage further shows how Antonio's mother treats Antonio and views him. She sees Antonio as her baby. As a result, I feel that Tonys mother is harming Tony by not letting him grow up and by treating him like a baby. Also, Tonys mother should give Tony some freedom and let him mature into a man. Further, Tonys mother fears that Tony will grow up, because she does not want another one of her sons to leave her, just like Tonys brothers did when they joined the war. In relation, Anaya reaches out to all the parents out there and shows them that their child will grow up and in order to help them positively, the parent should let their children become independent so that when they are older, they can fend for themselves. In addition, I wonder if Tonys mom will realize that Tony is maturing very quickly and she will stop babying Tony. Furthermore, I predict that Ultima will have a talk with Tonys mom about letting Tony grow up. Moreover, this passage is the start of a new adventure for Tony because he has never been to school before, which means he will obtain new knowledge and experiences.
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
Blog #5
Daniel Cuevas-
Virgen de Guadalupe, I heard my mother cry, return my sons to me. Your sons will return safely, a gentle voice answered. Mother of god, make my fourth son a priest. And I saw the Virgin draped in the gown of night standing on the bright, horned moon of autumn, and she was in mourning for the fourth son. "Mother of God!" I screamed in the dark, then I felt Ultimas hand on my forehead and I could sleep again.(Anaya, 45)
Does this mean that Antonio will die? I predict that Antonio may possibly have a terrible fate because why else would the virgin be mourning for Antonio. Also, maybe the virgin is mourning Antonios future as a priest, if this is true then Antonio will not become priest and fulfill his mother. In my life, when someone mourns for something, it is for a loved one that has passed away. This is why I believe that either Antonio or his priest future will die. Anaya added this passage to create foreshadowing of events that will take place later in Bless Me Ultima. Furthermore, this passage shows the power of the Virgin de Guadalupe, she can tell the future, make your wishes come true, she can do anything. In addition, this shows that Antonio and his mother are religious. Moreover, Anaya may have religious experiences such as family members who practice religion regularly and which is why he includes so much of it in Bless Me Ultima. Religion is a very common theme in Bless Me Ultima because Anaya uses religion to create the characters of Bless Me Ultima. Without religion then Tony's parents would not have their differences and be such distinct characters.
Virgen de Guadalupe, I heard my mother cry, return my sons to me. Your sons will return safely, a gentle voice answered. Mother of god, make my fourth son a priest. And I saw the Virgin draped in the gown of night standing on the bright, horned moon of autumn, and she was in mourning for the fourth son. "Mother of God!" I screamed in the dark, then I felt Ultimas hand on my forehead and I could sleep again.(Anaya, 45)
Does this mean that Antonio will die? I predict that Antonio may possibly have a terrible fate because why else would the virgin be mourning for Antonio. Also, maybe the virgin is mourning Antonios future as a priest, if this is true then Antonio will not become priest and fulfill his mother. In my life, when someone mourns for something, it is for a loved one that has passed away. This is why I believe that either Antonio or his priest future will die. Anaya added this passage to create foreshadowing of events that will take place later in Bless Me Ultima. Furthermore, this passage shows the power of the Virgin de Guadalupe, she can tell the future, make your wishes come true, she can do anything. In addition, this shows that Antonio and his mother are religious. Moreover, Anaya may have religious experiences such as family members who practice religion regularly and which is why he includes so much of it in Bless Me Ultima. Religion is a very common theme in Bless Me Ultima because Anaya uses religion to create the characters of Bless Me Ultima. Without religion then Tony's parents would not have their differences and be such distinct characters.
Blog #4
Daniel Cuevas-
"Antonio!" my mother called just when I knew she would and I jumped out of bed. But today I was awakening with a new knowledge. (Anaya, 29)
This passage captures a very special moment, when Antonio realizes that he is actually growing up and maturing. After what Tony experienced the day before, he is growing up really quickly. In addition, this knowledge he is awakened with could be the fact that he knows Lupito was killed and his father was involved. Or it could also be that Antonio is changed and has a new perception of life. So, I wonder what Antonio's "new knowledge" is. Based on whats in this passage I predict that once Tony goes back to school, he will be different from his classmates because he has seen things that are very traumatic. For example, Lupitos death. Additionally, the author is trying to say that we all mature differently, some people quicker than others, and some slower. However, how we mature from our experiences can greatly influence us and affect us human beings. Furthermore, there is a time in our lives when we grow out of our mindset and start thinking like we never have before, as if something turned on in our head and we start connecting things and seeing the big picture. For instance, when you have an experience that makes you realize that our time here on earth is indefinite and short, you start to actually work towards your goals and grow as a person.
"Antonio!" my mother called just when I knew she would and I jumped out of bed. But today I was awakening with a new knowledge. (Anaya, 29)
This passage captures a very special moment, when Antonio realizes that he is actually growing up and maturing. After what Tony experienced the day before, he is growing up really quickly. In addition, this knowledge he is awakened with could be the fact that he knows Lupito was killed and his father was involved. Or it could also be that Antonio is changed and has a new perception of life. So, I wonder what Antonio's "new knowledge" is. Based on whats in this passage I predict that once Tony goes back to school, he will be different from his classmates because he has seen things that are very traumatic. For example, Lupitos death. Additionally, the author is trying to say that we all mature differently, some people quicker than others, and some slower. However, how we mature from our experiences can greatly influence us and affect us human beings. Furthermore, there is a time in our lives when we grow out of our mindset and start thinking like we never have before, as if something turned on in our head and we start connecting things and seeing the big picture. For instance, when you have an experience that makes you realize that our time here on earth is indefinite and short, you start to actually work towards your goals and grow as a person.
Monday, August 19, 2019
Blog #3
Daniel Cuevas-
Many shots found their mark. I saw Lupito lifted off his feet and hurled backwards by the bullets. But he got up and ran limping and crying towards the bank where I lay.
"Bless me--" I thought he cried, and the second volley of shots from the bridge sounded, but this time they sounded like a great whirling of wings, like pigeons swirling to roost on the church top. (Anaya, 22)
This scene was a very emotional and traumatizing experience for Antonio, he saw a human being get shot to death, which was Lupito. Also, I wonder if Lupito actually did cry "Bless Me"? Furthermore, this cry from Lupito may be affiliated with religion because of the word "bless". In addition, Tony's mother wants tony to be priest so possibly, this is foreshadowing which path Antonio is going to travel upon. Using these clues, I predict that Antonio will become a priest. In fact, the book is named "Bless Me Ultima so it must be a very important detail in the book. In addition, this passage was a stepping stone towards the fate of Antonio. As I predicted earlier, Antonio may become a priest. Also, the author is trying to say that some times people need help and ask for it when its too late. For example, Lupito asked Tony to bless him but what service did it do, even the helper(Tony) could not help him since it was too late. Anaya shows that it is okay to ask for help and that it can be very beneficial and may even save your life. Moreover, we should all ask for help and not be afraid of it or feel embarrassed to ask, help is help, it helps you.
Many shots found their mark. I saw Lupito lifted off his feet and hurled backwards by the bullets. But he got up and ran limping and crying towards the bank where I lay.
"Bless me--" I thought he cried, and the second volley of shots from the bridge sounded, but this time they sounded like a great whirling of wings, like pigeons swirling to roost on the church top. (Anaya, 22)
This scene was a very emotional and traumatizing experience for Antonio, he saw a human being get shot to death, which was Lupito. Also, I wonder if Lupito actually did cry "Bless Me"? Furthermore, this cry from Lupito may be affiliated with religion because of the word "bless". In addition, Tony's mother wants tony to be priest so possibly, this is foreshadowing which path Antonio is going to travel upon. Using these clues, I predict that Antonio will become a priest. In fact, the book is named "Bless Me Ultima so it must be a very important detail in the book. In addition, this passage was a stepping stone towards the fate of Antonio. As I predicted earlier, Antonio may become a priest. Also, the author is trying to say that some times people need help and ask for it when its too late. For example, Lupito asked Tony to bless him but what service did it do, even the helper(Tony) could not help him since it was too late. Anaya shows that it is okay to ask for help and that it can be very beneficial and may even save your life. Moreover, we should all ask for help and not be afraid of it or feel embarrassed to ask, help is help, it helps you.
Blog #2
Daniel Cuevas-
Fathers says that the town steals our freedom;he says that we must build a castle across the river, on the lonely hill of the mockingbirds...Father says the freedom of the wild horse is in the Marez blood, and his gaze is always westward. his fathers before him were vaqueros, and so he expects us to be men of the llano... My brothers frowned. You are a Luna, they chanted in unison, you are to be a farmer-priest for mother!(Anaya, 25)
This is another one of Antonio's many dreams. This dream in particular shows the effect of his parents influence on him. Their effect on him is so great that he is having dreams about them in his sleep. Dreams about what his parents want his future to be, a priest or a cowboy like his father. In addition, I believe that the author is trying to bring up a topic about parents pressuring their child to do what they want the child to do and not let the child decide for themselves. Not only does it limit the child but it can keep them from being happy. I also predict that Antonio will be stressed out because of pressure from his parents and family. Then, Ultima will guide Tony through it; together they will find whats best for Tony. Furthermore, this passage shows that the author may have had an experience similar to Tony's and he wants to show the reader how it can affect a child. He does this because he wants to make a difference in parenting. Moreover, Anaya wants all parents to know that it is best to let your child decide what they want to be when they grow up.
Fathers says that the town steals our freedom;he says that we must build a castle across the river, on the lonely hill of the mockingbirds...Father says the freedom of the wild horse is in the Marez blood, and his gaze is always westward. his fathers before him were vaqueros, and so he expects us to be men of the llano... My brothers frowned. You are a Luna, they chanted in unison, you are to be a farmer-priest for mother!(Anaya, 25)
This is another one of Antonio's many dreams. This dream in particular shows the effect of his parents influence on him. Their effect on him is so great that he is having dreams about them in his sleep. Dreams about what his parents want his future to be, a priest or a cowboy like his father. In addition, I believe that the author is trying to bring up a topic about parents pressuring their child to do what they want the child to do and not let the child decide for themselves. Not only does it limit the child but it can keep them from being happy. I also predict that Antonio will be stressed out because of pressure from his parents and family. Then, Ultima will guide Tony through it; together they will find whats best for Tony. Furthermore, this passage shows that the author may have had an experience similar to Tony's and he wants to show the reader how it can affect a child. He does this because he wants to make a difference in parenting. Moreover, Anaya wants all parents to know that it is best to let your child decide what they want to be when they grow up.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)