Subjects:
The first theme that draws religious significance is of the three deaths. Antonio (Tony) Marez is a small boy, at the young age of six. He faces many difficult challenges that he must overcome using his wits and his faith as the story progresses. Of the many themes that can be drawn from this book, a few stand out as most important to the future of Tony.
The most important events Tony faces in the story are the three un-natural deaths he witnesses. The deaths are used as symbols in their story. The way each death occurred and the reactions all symbolize Tony’s ongoing maturity as the story progresses. The first of these deaths is the killing of Lupito.
Lupito is described as a man who is mentally unbalanced after returning from the war. As the commotion starts, Chavez tells us that his brother,
. . .
A church man, someone who relies upon the Bible for all the answers, can be a very educated man.
Another very important theme to the story is the nature of Ultima. Tony has already been changed by other events that have occurred. He told Florence of God, and had planned to tell him of the carp. He embraced Florence and accepted him as his friend. This death is much more tragic than the death of Lupito. Florence simply had no belief to live by.
In any novel, it is interesting to think about the author. The order of the deaths, the personal loss to Tony of each death, and the way Tony dealt with each death is symbolic of Tony’s spiritual maturity. Narciso was shot and then forced to fight for his life.
The third un-natural death Tony is present at is the death of his young friend, Florence. He was beginning to question his own catholic faith and starting to think of other possible answers to the cosmic questions that surround an all powerful presence.
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