Ultima

1 Pages 320 Words

Antonio’s Religious Doubts

The most important aspect in the second half of the novel Bless me Ultima is the gradual loss of faith in Antonio. He is at a very young age (3rd grade) but his friends and family look up to him as the priest of the household. It is apparent that Antonio has dreams of being a great priest which would bring honor to his family and make him a well-respected man. Unfortunately it is not as easy as Antonio would think because he is doubting the Catholic God because of the people who believe in the catholic God but who have so many troubles going on in their lives. He is secretly question why a powerful catholic God would constantly punish his own people.
Antonio could not find an answer to why evil exists in the Catholic religion, instead he finds peace in a spiritual relationship with the land and nature. He owes this appreciation of the land and new life from the influences of his mother, his father, and Ultima. Antonio has finally attained almost a harmony regarding his different heritages. He is able to peacefully enjoy the beauty of his land without having to question immorality.
Antonio's last dream addresses his crisis of religious faith. The three figures of people he tried to save state that Antonio prayed for them in his innocence. He tried to save Narcisco, Florence, and then Ultima. Ultima’s death really made Antonio question the faith is practicing. He feels as though now God is punishing him and for what, is not Antonio a priest? The dream hints at Antonio's understanding that people often disobey the rules of their own religions. His dream also foreshadows how Ultima will die. Seeing the failure of all three people he loved, Antonio asks God why he has forsaken him. Thus questioning his own religion....