Good versus Evil
In the novel, Bless Me, Ultima, an important theme in the story is Good vs. Evil. Throughout the story, this theme is revealed through the main character, Antonio’s, feelings, thoughts and actions. Most people today can relate to the way Antonio feels and thinks. For instance, the way he grows up helps him understand the difference between right and wrong. He constantly sees evil things being done and as a result people he loves start to die. He looks up to a curing lady named Ultima and knows that they have a special connection. Ultima helps him distinguish between what is good and what is evil.

In the first place, many people are confused about what good and evil are. Some can’t distinguish between the two. This is how Antonio is in the beginning of the story. He is so innocent, he doesn’t know right from wrong. Many, mostly kids, can relate to a time when they were young and couldn’t tell the difference between what was right and wrong. Some even think that what they do is not bad at all even though some might not agree with them. For example, my friend and I were arguing over if smoking weed was good or bad. He, being an everyday user, argued that nothing is wrong with smoking weed. I countered his argument by telling him the long term effects of smoking. As you can see, many people are confused about the difference between good and evil.

Another way the theme is revealed throughout the story is through Antonio’s maturing process. Antonio’s actions, thoughts, and feelings help the reader find evidence of evil and good in the story. An example is when Antonio’s innocence is tested the night a man is shot right in front of him. He thinks the people who were shooting committed a sin. He is confused and doesn’t know whether or not it was right or wrong to shoot the man. His mind is tested with these types of situations throughout the whole story. Another example is the way his parents fight over which side of the family he is going to take after. His parents contrast each other because they come from two very different families. His mother wants Antonio to be a priest while his father wants him to be a reckless cowboy. This confuses Antonio even more because his parents expect him to choose one or the other and if he chooses one parent then the other will feel like they have been wronged.

Finally, Ultima plays an important role in helping Antonio gain knowledge of good and evil. All the times they spend together helps Antonio think about good, evil, and what he wants to do with his own life. Ultima tells Antonio that he can choose what his parents want him to be or, what he wants to do with his own life. She also tells him that she will always be there to help him. Ultima helps Antonio grasp the difference between right and wrong really well.

Clearly, good and evil play big roles in the story. Although the difference between what is good and what is evil varies between what type of person you are and how you feel about certain things, doing what you know is right is always a good decision to make. Antonio learned a lot about the difference between the two. If everyone had Antonio’s mind set then the world would be a better place.