"Bless Me, Ultima" December 25, 2011

Well, now it definitely seems like Anaya is saving the final fate of all her characters until the absolute last page of the book. Aside from Narciso's death, she is not giving us any hints as to how her novel will end. I was sad when Narciso died. I think that he was a very good man, despite his drunken habits. I think that he always meant well and that his death potentially symbolizes future harm to Ultima. Before his death, he seemed to be almost like a guardian angel to Ultima, he didn't look like the protective type but deep down he cared about Ultima and would to anything for her. Ultimately, he risked his life in an effort to protect her. The scene before Narciso's death was so jubilant and humorous I never predicted it to happen. I loved the play scene, especially when Horse had to be Mary. I could perfectly picture the whole play in my head and was able to connect with each character and their thoughts. It was such an uplifting and funny scene that Anaya kind of crashed into Narciso's death. I did not anticipate anything like that to happen on Antonio's walk home from school. I think the death of Narciso was a major loss to Antonio's family and will have a great impact on the outcome of the novel. As of right now, I am worried about Ultima's safety. Her "guardian angel" is gone and Antonio's three older brothers have left as well. There is still on-going tension between Antonio's parents so Ultima does not have a strong support group. I think Ultima is keeping a secret about Antonio and that all of his decisions have a impact on her life in a significant way.

I am interested to know how Antonio will end up. When Antonio was talking to Cico about Narciso's death, Cico advised that they wait until summer to talk to the Golden Carp. I think that Antonio's next visit with the Golden Carp will strongly influence his beliefs and religion and he will make the officially decision about faith. He is supposed to make his First Communion soon which will also have an affect on that decision. Anaya is keeping her readers on their toes especially with the dramatic changes and dragging out the ending. At this rate, it will not surprise me if she reveals Antonio's fate, as well as Ultima's, in the last line on the last page. I am anxious to see what is going to happen to the Marez family, but most importantly, I want to know more about Ultima and Antonio and how their relationship will end up.