Critic's Page
Ben
Criticism Page
Ben Bless Me, Ultima is a complex, magical novel. However, it has some elements that are confusing and hurt the book more than make it better. One major theme that hurts the quality of this novel is that in Bless Me, Ultima author Rudolfo Anaya writes in a style making 6 year old Antonio seem as if he is many years older than his age. Antonio is writing years later looking back on his life, which explains some of the adult like comments, but even so this would not change the things Antonio said, or the things he did when he was a child. Antonio seems like an adult by using advanced vocabulary, making adult decisions, thinking adult thoughts (such as which god is right), and by making Antonio seem more mature than his friends (occasionally even like an adult supervising them). This maturity that Antonio is given in the book changes situations (such as what his school play would have been like if he was not a leader), leaves readers wondering what words/phrases mean, and makes readers confused about how old Antonio is, which then changes their thoughts/ideas about the book. Although the novel Bless Me, Ultima is a complex entertaining book Antonio’s adult maturity in the story makes it less realistic, confuses readers about Antonio’s age, leaves readers wondering what words and phrases mean, and changing situations in the book where a child may act differently than an adult. Antonio’s advanced vocabulary, and metaphoric speaking style changes the way the book is read, and leaves readers wondering what Antonio means. Antonio’s speaking style uses words a six year old would not know, which makes readers wonder if Antonio is a six year old. Antonio also uses very deep metaphorical speaking phrases leaving readers feel as if they are struggling to figure out what Antonio means.
Antonio says and does things in Bless Me, Ultima that most six year olds wouldn’t think about and would be scared to do. When Antonio confesses the dead or goes with Ultima to cure a dying uncle it makes readers feel as if this is not realistic because six year olds are usually scared to do these things. Antonio also says things that make readers feel as if he is much older. Things like this for example are when he talks and thinks about religion.
When Antonio is with his friends he often acts like he is much older than they are. Antonio takes control in situations when his friends don’t, which is something an adult may do. This makes it hard for readers to believe that Antonio is only six, and changes situations in the book when six year olds would act differently than adults.
“How long?” I wanted to know, “how long has he been in the water?” But there fright would not let them answer. I felt Cico’s hand on my shoulder..... I grabbed Abel. “Go get the Lifeguard!”” In this quote you can see Antonio clearly behaves like an adult would. While all of Antonio’s friends are screaming, crying, and even vomiting Antonio stumbles upon a life or death situation. He is mature upon his age in this situation and calls for a lifeguard when everyone else does not. Even though Florence dies in this situation anyway, Antonio’s maturity could have changed what happened in this situation and even saved a life.
In this situation Antonio is looked up to, like an adult would be, and this is a reason he was given the job of being the priest. After this Antonio does something very mature. He does what he believes is right, even if it means he will be beaten up. Antonio does not succumb to peer pressure, something some adults are not mature enough to do. If Antonio did not do this Florence may have even been beaten up by the angry kids instead of Antonio, which may have destroyed their friendship, and their visits to see the golden carp.
In conclusion, Antonio’s advanced vocabulary, adult like thoughts/decisions, and way he acts like an adult when he is with his friends make readers see Antonio in ways they would not otherwise. When readers see Antonio talk and act like an adult they lose sympathy for him, expect him to continue to act like an adult the rest of the book, and this maturity changes situations in Bless Me, Ultima. Antonio’s maturity changes the story and readers thoughts/reactions. -Ben Harrison (Updated 6/3/14) |
http://www.karipatterson.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/tug-o-war1.jpg
This picture represents Antonio's life, and his parents fighting over him. They both want him to follow their dreams and these dreams conflict. This makes him like the rope, and the hands represent his parents fighting over their dreams. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/db/Religions_of_the_US.PNG
This picture shows the high Catholic percentages in New Mexico, where Antonio lives. This would make it very difficult and mature for Antonio to think about this major religion or go against it. |