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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Antonio's father not like priests?

2. What does the sun represent?

3. What is special about the homes in El Puerto?

4. What are Antonio's brothers doing in town?

5. Who do the brothers believe will be the answer to their career dilemma?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Antonio's advantage of having his cubicle at the top of the stairs?

2. What is Antonio's father's dream now that his sons have returned home from war?

3. Describe the relationship between Antonio's mother (Maria) and father (Gabriel).

4. What did Antonio's parents decide in Chapter 22 that Antonio would be doing the rest of the summer?

5. Who does Antonio meet before entering Mass?

6. Describe the tale of the golden carp.

7. Describe the events which occurred at Tellez's ranch in Aqua Negra.

8. How did Jason confuse Antonio about making magic?

9. What are Antonio's brother's reaction to the war?

10. What was the significance of Blue Lake for Tony?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Rudolfo Anaya centers Bless Me, Ultima around the central theme of tension. One example is the mneumonic tension between Antonio's parents, the sea versus the earth. What are other examples of tension throughout the novel? Examine the symbols of tension between good and evil.

Essay Topic 2

Bless Me Ultima has been perceived as a type of American western. There are episodes connecting with the theme of manifest destiny (belief held by many Americans in the 1840s that the United States was destined to expand across the continent, by force, as used against Native Americans, if necessary). How does the novel fit into the American western genre? What role do Gabriel, Narcisco, Eugene, Andrew and Leon play in this theme? Are there other characters who personify these themes and genres?

Essay Topic 3

Bless Me, Ultima is a novel detailing a boy's rite-of-passage towards maturity. What are the key events marking Tony's maturity within the novel? How does the novel fall into this genre? Compare this novel to another rite-of-passage novel, such as Huckleberry Finn.

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