that were plaguing him. He doesn't know what to believe. The only thing that has proven completely worthy is Ultima and her magic. In the final scenes of the novel the evil of Tenerio overcomes all as he first attempts to kill Antonio, and then goes to kill Ultima. Antonio arrives just in time to see the killing of the owl, Ultima's spirit that was tied to her when she was a child by the wise man who taught her how to live with the land and plants. Antonio then goes to bury her spirit in his own peaceful burial under a forked juniper tree as she instructed. By being blessed by her it shows that he has possibly grown from the idea that he is tied to the church by being a deep spiritual individual and accepting that there may be more powers than that of god. Ultima allowed him to see the world differently, and accept her powers especially in Antonio proclamation, Bless Me Ultima."For someone of his age, Antonio has a strong yearning for knowledge. He is driven by the desire to make [his] the magic of the letters and numbers (58) and works hard, eager to learn the secret of the magic. (76) At school, while others cryand wet their pants (58), Antonio spends his time in the corner writing his name over and over. (58) Even Ultima praises Tonys willingness to study, saying, he learns as much in one day as most do in a year. (81) However, Tonys drive for knowledge is not restricted to books; he also seeks more answers (71) about God. He tries in vain to find the answers why people are made to suffer for Old Eves sin, (196) why didnt God make this earth free of evil things (196), and of why The Old Manleft Florence all alone (195) with no family. By asking these questions, he subconsciously challenges the validity of the church, using the excuse that he is not yet ready to understand to repress his heresy. Antonio hopes that when he makes communion, he will understand. (187)Antonios desire for knowledge nurture a growing wisdom. Feeling o...
