Rodolfo Anaya is the author of Bless me
Introduction
Rodolfo Anaya is the author of Bless me, last that for the first time it is published in 1972 becoming one of the most acclaimed Chicano novels of the times of the times of the times. Anaya grows in New Mexico in a community in which Catholicism and healer were two prevalent influences. The stage of history is in Guadalupe, New Mexico during World War II in 1940.
Developing
The community is located in a rural place where they mostly inhabit cowboys, farmers, priests, prostitutes, and soldiers. This scenario serves as inspiration for the novel in which the author tells the story of Antonio and last. Antonio is a child who faces family, cultural, and religious contradictions. Last is a healer that helps Antonio’s mother during birth and becomes his spiritual guide. Last will help Antonio to deal with contradictions and challenges.
The first challenge facing Antonio originates within his family environment. His father, Gabriel, is a man who describes himself as a cowboy who does not have a permanent place to live. His dream is to move to California with his family and that Antonio becomes a cowboy. On the other hand, his mother, Maria who is a fervent Catholic, comes from a family of farmers who has remained for generations in the same place. She wants Antonio to become a priest and her children in farmers. Antonio also has to witness his brothers, who after returning from the war, choose a different destiny than his father had in mind. First, the two of Albuquerque leave, and then Andrew follows them after the death of Narciso. Antonio’s father feels devastated at this reality, but at the same time he feels identified with his children’s decision to leave.
When Antonio has to attend his first day of class, he feels excited and sad at the same time and gets up with a stomach discomfort. His parents decide to discuss their family and identity differences again. However, Maria appreciates the fact that ordinary people can attend school, and Antonio does not have the same fate as her father. She affirms, that statement makes Antonio experience an emotional burden. When Maria asks him last to confirm Antonio’s future, she replies that he will be a man of knowledge. Finally last bless him before going to school.
At school, Antonio faces a cultural challenge by not speaking English and feeling in a totally strange environment.
The same day during lunchtime, Antonio faces his second challenge when comparing his lunch with that of the other students who had sandwiches while he had his beans wrapped in omelette.
The school becomes the first scenario in which Antonio becomes aware of these cultural differences and in which he perceives that life begins to prepare to be a man or an adult. He realizes that he experiences a deep sadness like those that adults speak of. He realizes that he has to face this experience only without the protection of his mother, but finds other children, who like him, were eating outside the school.
Antonio knows through his friend Cico the magical history of golden fish and Antonio has to witness what he considers a pagan miracle. At that time Antonio questions the greatness of God and compares the feelings he experiences with those who felt day of his first communion. Antonio, after seeing the golden fish, feels that he has sinned for accepting that he believes in the magic of the fish.
Antonio faces doubts and challenges to maintain his faith. During the story, Antonio meditates and constantly debate about the existence and power of God. Florence, his orphan friend, awakens doubts and compassion in Antonio. Florence doubts Catholicism and opens new questions for Antonio.
conclusion
Frederick Holton in his Chicano article states that Antonio is in search of his personal and social identity. During its process, contradictions of spiritual nature such as life and death, innocence and knowledge, goodness and evil. Antonio also needs to define his personal and social identity by deciding whether he will become a cowboy or priest, acculturated or foreign, Christian or pagan. Rodolfo Anaya explores me, last, social oppositions with mastery, since although there are tensions in history, the author finds the way to balance them with moments of relief and harmony.
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