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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. Who are the boys who befriend Antonio during the first few months of school?

2. Who does Antonio's father believe fuels his mother's desire for Antonio becoming a priest?

3. Who gave Ultima her powers?

4. What is the significant feature of Marez blood?

5. Why was Antonio's father bitter?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the importance of Antonio receiving his First Communion on Easter Sunday?

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

3. What is the significance of black and white colors on Antonio's First Communion?

4. In Chapter 15, what does Antonio's father reminisce about happier times with his sons?

5. Describe the sights and sounds of harvest time in El Puerto.

6. Why is Sunday a polarizing day of the week for the Marez family?

7. Describe the Marez home on the first day of school.

8. Describe how Antonio becomes one of the gang?

9. What is the significance of Ultima's blessing before Antonio leaves for school?

10. What is special about the arrival of Ultima into the Marez home?

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

As the reader watches Antonio mature, he undergoes several initiation rites. Explain what some of these initiation rites are in the novel. What is the most crucial test he must pass? Why is this test important?

Essay Topic 3

Maria, Antonio's mother, is a deeply pious woman raised in a family with a strong attachment to the land. Ultima is la curandera who is blessed with supernatural healing powers. Which of these two women has a stronger relationship with Tony? How do these women compliment each other? How do these two women play conflicting roles for Antonio?

(see the answer keys)

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