As I started reading this novel, I was struck by the different mixture of belief systems. Not only in different moral systems but also in terms of choice of lifestyle. In a way, how Antonio follows his “destiny”, which we learn right from the beginning, that Ultima is the only one that truly knows where his future holds “Only I will know his destiny”. Since his birth Antonio has been torn by the different expectations of his surrounding parental/mentor figures – his destiny traced for him: becoming a priest, becoming a vaquero destined to wander the llano, etc.
This for me seems to be an overarching theme of the books we have read so far. To some capacity, we are torn between the concept of a self-made destiny and a predetermined destiny. Down these mean streets presents that conflict which we discussed in class. I am interested in how this can be applied to the general idea of Chicano culture in America. Antonio seems to be torn between different beliefs, moral systems, expectation, etc. How does this occur with Chicano culture? Not only is there the Hispanic influence, but also indigenous beliefs, catholic religion, etc. How does that manifest in the books read so far? Is it seen as a predetermined culture? Are some aspects more predominant than others? How does this set these books apart from others? How does it make them a “kink” among Mexican literature, among American, among international literature? In Squatter and the Don we find the example of a community forced to integrate into American culture, in Down these mean streets we argued that Piri as following a predetermined path and then from there set his own, in With His Pistol in His Hand we find a character that defies being integrated in either society creating a completely new identity. To me, in Bless Me, Ultima, we find a mix of these. There is the set community of vaqueros which his father clearly feels more at ease in, his mother prefers a more urban setting, we have the conflict between spiritualism and catholic religion, among others. We can also say that Ultima is a symbol of predetermined destiny, to show Antonio his way, or vice versa that she defies Antonio having to ultimately choose one of the options given to him, to create a completely new one.
These are all questions that I hope I can find an answer to as we advance in the book, and in our discussions in class.
Hey Maria,
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot to unpack in this book. However, a major idea is definitely the conflict between certain beliefs and faiths. The real question I keep asking is how will Antonio turn out? It's apparent that he is not just being influence by one belief or way of thinking, but rather is a conglomeration of all the external forces morphing him into the person he will become. It begs the question whether he is an individual actor with his own choices and desires or he is a byproduct of his society around him.
Take care,
-Curtis HR
For me was also very interesting how there are different and competing beliefs between the families of Los Luna and Los Mares. For me, being from Latin America, I can relate in a lot of experiences to how there is this mix between Spanish culture and beliefs, Catholicism and also indigenous traditions. However, I see how for Antonio is even more complex because he is now on the border between Mexico and the US.
ReplyDeleteI think that Antonio questions almost everything that is presented as natural for him, and maybe that curiosity and cleverness might guide him to be more independent in his decisions and not being guided only by tradition or destiny. But, without doubt, Ultima also is kind of a spiritual leader for him, and maybe his friendship with Ultima will guide his decisions as well.
- Pamela Chavez
Hola chica!
ReplyDeleteIts interesting how you mentioned predestination in your blog because that is something I completely overlooked. I guess I was just drawn too much by the story that I forgot that we are too analyze it!
I agree with the contrast you see between Piri and Antonio. Piri struggled with finding himself in a community where he is different from others (by his outward appearance and origin), whereas for Antonio, it is more internal and it's almost a culture is against its own.
Hey Maria,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! You raise some very valuable questions, ones that I don't think any of us really have the answers to, at least for now... but it is interesting to think about agency versus fate. Indeed, this is pretty much always an overarching question in the books we read, or perhaps even in our own lives, but it certainly seems more evident in this book with the presence of Ultima, who very well may hold the answer to this otherwise unanswerable question. I think that whatever path we see Antonio go down as the book unfolds, it will always be unknown whether he chose that path himself, or if he was pushed by people in is life or a greater power to pursue that path. Definitely a strange and dizzying concept to ponder.
Madeson