Bless Me Ultima Analysis

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Religion causes problems with a child's self-worth. In Ruldolfo Anya’s book Bless me ultima, Antonio is a 6 to 8 year old boy who is faced with adult issues and pressures from both his parents. He is only a kid, so he does not know how to cope without what he has been taught and shown. This is a great example of how religion can cause anxiety and self doubt.When a child is given religion too early it forms into self doubt and forces them to grow up too fast.Throughout the book religion is forced by adults and peers not only on Antonio but most of his friends too. We first realize how harsh this is when the group says this. “They wanted me to be their leader; they wanted me to punish Florence. make his penance hard," Rita leered. "Make him kneel …show more content…
. . The mass was ending, the fleeting mystery was already vanishing”(page 221). Antonio is trying to use God to cope. He just got communion and is expecting God to answer all his questions. He thought God speaking to him after communion was literal because he was too young. He doesn't understand why God can't help him with all of his questions and dilemmas. My father was on the bridge," he added. "That is so," she said simply. But, Ultima, how can he go to communion? How can he take God out of his mouth and swallow him? Will God forgive his sin and be with him? d. (Pg 33). Again he uses God as his way of viewing things, God has become almost his whole mind, everything is related to him. Nothing can happen without the thought of God being brought up. He starts to think about whether God is good or bad, if he can forgive, if you can be loved, even if you make mistakes. When he thinks that, it starts to affect his view on God. Is he real, is he good, does he make mistakes? How can God let this happen to a kid? I never asked to be born. But he gives me birth, a soul, and puts me here to punish me”. pg 196) Why would God punish him for living? Antonio doesn't understand why God is doing this. He doesn't know why he is punishing him for no