If you are reading "Bless Me Ultima" this is where you post. Remember to come on and comment at least three days over the break. Minimal effort will receive a minimal grade. Plan ahead and begin reading immediately as late posting will reduce your grade. Keep in mind that you will have a randomly selected essay when you return to school.
Leave specific, short comments discussing what is going on in the book. You may want to comment on how Antonio's character relates, or does not relate to you. Ask each other questions. Comment on each others' posts. Help each other understand what is going on in the story.
Example discussion question: 1. How does Antonio become better prepared for adult life by the constant pull from the opposing forces of mystic versus religious life?
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
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17 comments:
Miguel Santos
Period 5
I think that Antonio is prepared for the adult world through the struggle between religion and mystic, because he knows that he is going to have to choosen one or the other. This will teach him that as he grows,that his life will be a struggle between choices. For example he will have to decide between following either his mothers or his fathers dream for his future.
miguel santos
period 5
How do you think that the death of Lupito affected Antonio?
Miguel santos
period 5
I would like to point out that this books relates to me because where my family come from a town that has the nickname "el pueblo de los brujas" which means the town of the witchs.
Miguel Santos
Period 5
Right now in the story Antionio and his grandma are going to heal Anionio's uncle.
I kind of disagree with MIGUEL, i dont think hes ready for the adult world. I mean he really gotta look at the world. He cant just look at it though mystic. That might just mislead him. From the world.
Miguel Santos
Period 5
Do you guys think that Ultima is actually a witch? Take into account chapter twelve.
Miguel Santos
Period 5
So far the book has been really interesting. At first I thought that it would be boreing because it had a dull cover. You know what they say do not jugde a book by its cover.
--To Miguel--
Shes not witch, shes a priest.
She does voodoo. I finds thats the most exciting part in the book.
It reminds me of a book im reading about voodo and hati culture.
Well you two, I'm really sorry that you are the only ones involved in the discussion. Do the best you can! The others will not be in good shape...
Miguel Santos
Period 5
-to Sonia-
I have to disagree with you because i do not believe that Ultima is a preist because preist do not tend to practice voodu. Although I disagree with this statement I agree with you when you say that the most interesting part is the part in which voodu comes into play.
K'La Wymbs
Period# 3
(In response to Miguel)
I believe that the death of Lupito dramatically affected Antonio, and that his way of thinking somewhat changed, as well as his perception on death and the meaning of life- His Life. So now, here is Antonio, struggling with a self identity crisis, taking catholicism classes, basically trying to get a feel of what it would be like if he chose his mother's side versus his father's side, or vice versa. This doesn't work out all too well, and Antonio finds a greater comfort when he is with Ultima. He is satisfied with the fact that even though she isn't part of a set religion like catholicism, or she isnt God, that she seems to have the answers to his questions similar to God having answers to our prayers.
K'La Wymbs
Period # 3
You know what, I actually somewhat agree with you Miguel about Antonio being prepared with the adult world. My whole take on it is that he isn't "prepared" persay, rather he is more just placed into the adult world in my opinion. When children are put into adult situations, 9 times out of 10, they are going to gradually start to be more mature and independent as far as their morals go.I know that sounds a little rough, let me explain it better. Looking at all the circumstances in his life: choosing between expectations and dreams between mom and dad, witnessing the death of several, having older brothers in the war, and things as such, kind of put him in a position where he had no choice but to sort of man up and be more independent and mature about things. He has to make decisions on his own, and he understands the importance of those decisions, how they can either make or break his future. He is struggling through alot and I think that has taught him a great deal about life already, even though hes not 100% sure on the details of his life, but, you know, who is?
As far as " El Pueblo de los Brujos", you wouldn't happen to be talking about Puerto Rico, would you? Just wondering!
K'La Wymbs
Period#3
I am going to be thinking of some more things to say as far as topics go, maybe then more people will write.lol. Just a little thing to think about, though. First off, what does anybody think of Antonio's mom, being okay with Ultima living with the family, and also partaking in Antonio's growth. Not to be judgmental or anything, but i am of the Christian faith, so I would be extremely hesitant with a curandera, or anyone for that matter who practices any sorts of witchcraft/voodoo, to even try to help my child in deciding anything. I mean, wouldnt we all want the best for our children, and if we know something is wrong, shouldnt we try to alleviate whatever seems wrong out of their lives. Maybe thats just me, though. I mean, I couldn't fathom one of my children not finding what they need in God, and looking for it elsewhere.
Oh- did I say hesitant, I meant, there is no way in the world my child while still in my care and under my roof, will even think about voodoo or witchcraft. I know that might sound like Im a crazy lady, but thats my child, well(hypothetically speaking, of course). But, in the end I guess it isnt the parents decision completely because the child has to live with it, but he isnt old enough to me to be making that sort of decision. Which also makes me wonder, how could two people (Antonio's mother and father), with such different views, be married. There is nothing wrong with differences in a marriage, because thats what keeps everything exciting, i mean my parents have difference, and i find most of them hilarious, but something so touchy and controversial as religion vs. mystical beliefs? Honestly, if i was the wife, well it wouldnt have even gotten that far, i would have stopped the relationship long before it got to I do. Call me old- fashion, I guess i just have a desire for the Lord so strong, that i dont want anything , but the Lord. You know? I mean, I am all for the husband being the man of the household, but how can you submit to someone you cant trust to lead you on the right path. Ok, ok, a little(well alot) off topic, i know, my bad, lo siento.
--To Miguel--
People who pratice voodu are called priestess, go google it.
But anyways im not done with the book completely but almost there. This book in all was great i thought i wasnt going to like it. This book is some what reliogious.
--To K'La--
I agree with you. I would want my son to be around the voodu crap either. Thats just misleading him in life and it sure isnt christan like.
Thank you, Sonia. As far as the priest and priestess thing goes, Sonia is right about the how people who practice voodoo/vodou can be priests and/ or priestesses), though in the book she is known as a witch doctor/curandera. They are a little different from priests inside churches like the catholic churches, but they do have them. They act as a connection to the spirits, and other things.( I researched it) i am not saying I believe in practicing this, but it is real, and they do have priests. Although, i wouldnt say that Ultima is a priestess, because she is just a healer/witch doctor. So i do understand where the confusion lies, though. Anyways, correct me if i am wrong, and you know, if there is anything I said that doesnt make sense, or that you know is wrong, call me on it. Have a blessed day, you guys!
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