Bless Me Ultima - Character Analysis :: essays research papers

The Man-Child&9A child is much like a far-reaching scientific experiment. Both be expensive and in constant need of attention. Nevertheless, an experiment can be terminated at anytime. The experiment of child cannot be aborted, and sometimes the Experiment fails when he or she chooses the wrong path. However, for Rudolfo Anayas "Experiment Antonio" of Bless Me, Ultima, the results are promising. Antonio, as a child, already possesses traits that lead to a good and pure life. He is of course a mature and wise man-child yearning for knowledge.&9Antonio shows a startling matureness. Psychologic wholey, a distinctive six-year old will suffer serious genial agonies if he or she witnesses the death of four other people. Tony, however, "runs the words of the Act of Contrition" (23) through his mind, praying to God promising that "he will sin no more." (170) Furthermore, the typical six year old child will not possess the mentality to question the flaws of a relig ion nor question wherefore God "forgives all" (173), even murderers. This is not the case for Tony, who is bothered by the fact that God will "forgive Narciso" only "if Tony also asks God to forgive Tenorio." (173) In addition, Tonys maturity leads him to order someone to "go get the lifeguard" (239) during the drowning of Florence. At the same time, Tony notices a "red spot on Florences forehead where he must stick hit the edge of the culvert." (240) Death, to a six year old, is a mystery while religion is accepted just like the letters of the alphabet. However, Tonys questions of religion and reactions to death reflect a mindset of someone far beyond his age group.&9For someone of his age, Antonio has a strong yearning for knowledge. He is " impelled by the desire to make his the magic of the letters and numbers" (64) and works hard, "eager to learn the secret of the magic." (76) At school, while others "cryand wet thei r pants" (58), Antonio spends his time in the corner "writing his name over and over." (58) Even Ultima praises Tonys willingness to study, saying, "he learns as much in one day as around do in a year." (81) However, Tonys drive for knowledge is not restricted to books he also "seeks more answers" (71) about God. He tries in conceited to find the answers why people are made to "suffer for Old Eves sin," (196) why "didnt God make this earth free of evil things" (196), and of why "The Old Manleft Florence all alone" (195) with no family.