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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. In Chapter 2, who says to Antonio, "Bless me."

2. Where did Antonio's mother want his father to buy land?

3. What do Ultima and Antonio witness while sitting in the shade of the alamos of the river?

4. How much did Antonio's grandfather pay Ultima to rid Lucas of the brujas' curse?

5. Why does Antonio's mother call him a luna?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happened to Antonio his first day of school?

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

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

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

5. Why is Florence's confession shocking to the other school children?

6. What is the importance of the scapular?

7. Explain the story Father Byrne told of eternity.

8. Describe Antonio's dilemma as he grows up in Chapter 4.

9. Why are the Marez brothers anxious to leave their family?

10. Describe the different forms of evil as Ultima rids Lucas of the brujas curse.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Bless Me Ultima has been compared to James Joyce's Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. How does Catholicism influence Bless Me, Ultima? Does one have to be Catholic to understand Bless Me, Ultima? Why or why not? What other religion could be substituted in place of Catholic icons, images and people?

Essay Topic 2

The setting and sensory emotions are important within Bless Me, Ultima. Describe the critical scenery, tastes and sounds raised in the novel. How do food and eating create ambiance in the story? How does the scenery add depth to the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Shamanism is based on the belief that the visible world is pervaded by invisible forces or spirits that affect the lives of the living. In shamanism, certain animals guide or give power to that person. What types of power or guiding do you believe is transferred to humans? What examples of shamanism are included in the novel? Aside from animals, what other examples of shamanism are cited in the novel?

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