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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Cico and Antonio believe is ready to learn about the golden carp?

2. Who says "where there is no acknowledgment of guilt and penance done for wrong, there can be no forgiveness?"

3. What does Ultima tell the men to make to ward off the evil curse?

4. Why does Antonio's mother guard Ultima from those looking for her help?

5. What are the holiest robes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Antonio's friends recognize his innocence is a form of piety which will serve him well as a priest. Explain some of those situations depicting Antonio's purity and innocence. How do Gabriel, Maria, Ultima & Florence define this piety? Do you believe Antonio will become a priest? Why or why not?

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 set in the Southwest United States, more specifically New Mexico. The region was originally inhabited by ancient Nuevos Mexicanos, who populated the region between Central America and the Rio Grande river valley in the United States. How does this setting enrich the story? What would happen if the novel were situated elsewhere? If you could rewrite the novel, what location would the story take place? Why?

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This section contains 367 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample