View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Antonio's mother thank for her sons safe return home?

2. What does the Marez family do at the end of supper?

3. Why did the Marez family move from the llano to the town of Guadalupe?

4. Who comforts Antonio when he awakes from his dream of his mother crying for the return of her sons.

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is Ultima a welcome addition to the Marez family?

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

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

5. What is the allure of Narcisco's garden?

6. Describe the events surrounding Lupito's death.

7. Explain the story Father Byrne told of eternity.

8. What are some of the questions Antonio is unsure of as he rides in Uncle Pedro's truck?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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 during World War II. Antonio's brothers are off fighting against the Germans and Japanese forces. How does this time period influence the story? If you could rewrite the novel, what time period would you place the story? Explain your reason.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,117 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample