The Search for an Identity

The Search for an Identity

  • Submitted By: osbros92
  • Date Submitted: 12/14/2008 9:45 AM
  • Category: English
  • Words: 1457
  • Page: 6
  • Views: 1

A person can draw from several other cultural traditions that he may be a part of to form a clearer identity of himself. Often one is haunted by the many questions that arise about his uncertain identity, especially if confronted by other conflicting cultures. These influences are an opportunity to look beyond one’s assumptions; if applied suitably, it can certainly result in a more comprehensible understanding of oneself. During a time of uncertainty, it is important for one to look at all options and use the best of them to seek a definitive answer to one’s questions. The many cultural influences in life one faces must be embraced to become a wiser person who makes more intellectual decisions when it comes to making life’s most defying choices.
In Rudolfo Anaya’s novel, Bless Me, Ultima, the theme of embracing other cultures helps one discover and form a clearer idea of his own principles which in the long run can help the person discover his true individuality. Confirming that Antonio has evaluated the religion of his mother, “A religion different from the religion of the Lunas” (Anaya 247) demonstrates the failure it had in fulfilling his beliefs. After much persistence in pursuing the answers to his questions, he learns that the Catholic Church has failed in gaining his complete faith and therefore must search for his identity. Catholicism presents itself in many different forms throughout Antonio’s childhood, but the strongest representation of it is from his mother, Mrs. Marez. Her firm belief in God and the Holy Mother Church hauls him towards the religion of the Lunas. Ever since the birth of her youngest son, Mrs. Marez has strongly dreamed and pushed him to become a priest in order to revive the Luna tradition. Although Antonio wanted to follow the wishes of his mother, he just did not fully understand the Catholic faith, resulting in him being unable to achieve his mother’s ultimate dream. Shortly after taking his first communion, the...

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