Contrasting Duality: The Role of Opposing Forces In Personal Growth Ignorance is born from the absence of exposure to different perspectives, ideas, and information. A single static viewpoint clings to preconceived notions and prejudices. As Antonio from Rudolfo Anaya’s novel Bless Me, Ultima encounters different beliefs, his own ideals are challenged. These conflicting sets of beliefs that shape his worldview - Márez vs. Luna, the Catholic Church vs. magic, and right vs. wrong - result in Antonio’s personal growth. The multifaceted nature of Antonio’s coming-of-age journey arises from the acceptance and understanding of contrasting views. Foundationally, Antonio’s conflicting heritage is the first introduction to two completely different …show more content…
Upon asking his father for his opinion on why there is evil in the world Gabriel responds “I think most of the things we call evil are not evil at all; it is just that we don't understand those things and so we call them evil.” (248). The contrasting outlooks of right and wrong reveal the gray areas that exist in life forcing Antonio to reckon with the limitations of absolute truths in morality. An instance is when the children see Florence’s dissent towards the Catholic Church and urge Antonio who was acting as the priest to "Make him kneel and we'll all beat him," Ernie suggested. "Yeah, beat him!" Bones said wildly. "Stone him!" "Beat him!" "Kill him!" They circled” (213). The children have not yet experienced life or held opposing ideas at an equal value so they continue to hold ignorant beliefs that lead them to ostracize their classmate for having a different belief system than them. They see Florence’s actions as sin but to Florence, he has done no wrong showing the aspect that morality holds different standards for different people, and in not seeing the other perspective it is simply called sin or evil. Antonio’s acceptance of Florence is what allows his compassion to grow and understand the complexities of