Question

How does Ultima help Antonio overcome his fear of the "presence," or the soul, of the rive

Answer 1

Ultima helps Antonio overcome his fears of the river by making him to come in terms and appreciate the natural beauty of the wide plains which his Father cherishes so much

Step-by-step explanation:

The question above is in relation to the book "Bless Me Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya. Throughout the book, water is used as a symbol of purity and innocence. In the beginning of the novel, the river is defiled by the blood of Lupito. The water of the river represents the sins and impunity of the town itself.

Ultima helps Antonio overcome his fears of the river by making him to come in terms and appreciate the natural beauty of the wide plains which his Father admires and cherishes so much. Ultima makes him to find harmony between the conflicting heritage's of his paternal and maternal origins which conflicts between Spanish and indigenous cultures, This was achieved through Ultima guidance and these helps Antonio develops from the period of his childish innocence to one of more adult wisdom.

Answer 2

Ultima helps him appreciate the natural beauty of the wide plains that his father loves so much.

Step-by-step explanation:

Antonio’s changing attitude toward nature reflects the ways in which he is developing into an independent and thoughtful young boy. As a child, Antonio’s fear of the llano represents his dependence on his family and his youth. Later, Ultima helps him appreciate the natural beauty of the wide plains that his father loves so much. Her guidance allows Antonio to find harmony between his conflicting paternal and maternal heritages. This development foreshadows Antonio’s ultimately optimistic end, but it also suggests a new period of difficulty and conflict that parallels his general transition away from childish innocence and toward a more adult wisdom. After he witnesses Lupito’s death, Antonio becomes preoccupied with sin, punishment, and the loss of innocence. Antonio’s confrontation with ideas of good and evil manifests itself in his use of religion to try to understand the world. Antonio recites the Act of Contrition as he runs home, even though he doesn’t fully understand its significance. Furthermore, Lupito forces Antonio to take the figurative role of priest when Lupito asks Antonio for a blessing. Antonio must suddenly deal with the moral significance of an adult dilemma.