Rudolfo Anaya, the author of Bless Me, Ultima, writes of many cues and structures that hinted to me as I was reading the first seven chapters. One thing that I noticed was his inclusion of the Spanish language. At times, there would be an influx of Spanish, and then at others I could seem to forget about picking up the Spanish-English dictionary. But at those times where I didn't need to translate anything, just as I was about to forget about the inclusion of the Spanish language, Anaya would throw in a Spanish word that would remind me that it's not an entire English-speaking society and the culture does have an impact on this book. I especially saw the mix of English and Spanish when Antonio went to his first day of school. I think Antonio's experiences at school, including his excel at letters and the separation from the kids in his class, are also going to have an impact on his future, whatever path he chooses. Another cue from Anaya that I noticed was he always italicizes "presence" when talking about the river near the family's house. I know Anaya is trying to send his audience a message when he writes presence, and it may be the presence of the river is a religious reference or maybe a guide in Antonio's future. I find the book interesting, but sometimes I begin to lose interest. At those times though, Anaya seems to throw in an important event, like going to El Puerto de los Lunas, Antonio's first day of school, or the return of Antonio's brothers, which keep me reading. My final prediction from the end of Siete is that the brothers are not keen on returning to California, like their father wishes to, because Anaya writes,
"Well", my father shrugged, "I don't mean tonight, maybe in a month or two,
right boys?" My brothers glanced nervously at each other and nodded," (Anaya
63).
This could present a conflict within the family, since Gabriel's dream has been to journey west with his family. I enjoy the culture of the Spanish mixed with English and Antonio's journey to his destiny in Bless Me, Ultima.
Mui Bien eschuchar. Or, very good writing, Ms. Taylor.
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