A Lesson on Life
Life: a present with an unknown expiration date given to people so that they can gain knowledge and experience. The true definition of life can not be determined by just one person; however, this definition is sufficient enough for the novel Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya. This novel is about a young boy named Antonio (a.k.a. Tony) and his life during the time when Ultima, a curandera, came to stay with his family. During this time, Antonio learns many things about life from the church and school; however, Tony is taught the most about life and its endeavors from the informal lessons of his friends and family.
Tony’s friends helped him to learn many things about how to deal with the challenges that are thrown at him, and the courage needed to face them. This is first shown when Tony recalls that “Jasón had said look at the letter carefully, draw it on tablet, or on the sand of the playground. You will see the magic… I looked at Ultima. Her magic. The magic of Jasón’s Indian. They could not save me now” (53-54). This quote occurs when Tony and his sisters are getting ready for his first day of school. He sees that his sisters get a Chief Tablet, crayons, and pencils while he gets nothing. He has learned from Jasón that letters have magical powers; however, he does not know what they are yet. This magic, and the magic of Ultima, or Jasón’s Indian, could not help him prepare for his first day of school. He would have to muster up the courage to deal with the undertaking of school, and other challenges, himself. Another time when Tony learns from his friends, and is influenced to show courage is right before he goes into the church for his first communion. Tony describes this
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In the first half of the book, one of the most important lessons that Antonio was taught is from