Analysis Of Bless Me Ultima

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Mrs. Greene AP Literature December 2, 2011 Opposites Attract Rudolfo Anaya’s Bless Me, Ultima, uses two contrasting places to illustrate the protagonist, Antonio Marez‘s, contemplation of his destiny. He must decide between being a devout Catholic and putting all his trust in God, or being like his guardian, Ultima and possessing “made beauty from the raw, sun-baked llano, the green river, and the blue bowl which was the white sun‘s home“ (1). Anaya uses the Catholic church and a brothel called Rosie’s, to create a contrast which shows both choices Antonio has for his destiny. Each location has its own physical details and meaning which makes them opposites. However, the extreme physical contrast creates an irony when Antonio begins to acknowledge the symbolic similarity. Anaya’s introduction of the two opposing places immediately signals differences within their superficial appearances and representations in the community. “Towering above the housetops and the trees of the town was the church tower” (7), making it the noticeable center of Guadalupe. Most of the citizens in the town consider the Catholic church the importance and guidance in their lives, so they are reassured by its constant, geographical presence as it watches over them. However, Antonio becomes stressed when he acknowledges the church’s unrelenting presence because he thinks of Rosie’s and its significance within the community. Rosie’s is large, made of stucco, and nestled away from the road. The fragile building materials convey the weak faith of those who enter it, and the seclusion is an attempt to hide the brothel from the church’s vantage point, the eyes of God. Accompanying the physical contrasts, are representations that differ from each other greatly. To the people of Guadalupe, the church represents remaining pure in the eyes of God, and Rosie’s represents loss of innocence. The

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