So, picking up from where I left off, I am still enjoying this book very much. I don't really know where to start, so I guess I'll just start at the beginning, "I do not mean the beginning that was in my dreams and the stories they whispered to me about my birth, and the people of my father and mother, and my three brothers-but the beginning that came with Ultima." ....There's a little book humor for ya.
The departure of the giants: Anaya makes a point many times that when boys grow into men, they lose their innocence, and decide, for the first time, their own personal truths. Ultima explains to Antonio that no one can tell him what to believe, and that as he grows older he must make decisions as to what is true and to what is false, "I cannot tell you what to believe. Your father and mother can tell you, because they are your blood, but I cannot. As you grow into manhood you must find your own truths." Antonio's older brothers are at this point. It truly broke my heart when the brothers broke the news of their departure to their father. Heading off to California....without him. The man was crushed, his dream destroyed, and yet he understood his sons' decision. "The same wandering blood in his veins was in his sons. The restlessness of his blood had destroyed his dream, defeated him. " This is a minor turning point in the novel. At this point, Antonio's father no longer wants the Marez blood to win over his youngest son. "Perhaps it is true the Luna blood will win out in the end, perhaps it is better that way-" Innocence is a large theme in this book, and how it interacts and is affected with the coming of age. Many people within the book stress to Antonio the importance of innocence. His own mother told him that men learn of sin is when you become a man and lose you're innocence. His brother Andrew also tells Tonie not to grow up too fast like he and his older brothers had. Antonio's innocence and coming of age will most certainly be touched on at a later point in the novel.
Anaya definitely makes readers think about Ultima and her powers. Is she a witch? Where do her powers come from? Was the only reason why she was able to walk through the door and pass the test because the cross had fallen? Are all witches bad? So many questions, and really there are no answers. I don't think Anaya will ever answer these questions, that's the point. Antonio is learning that certain people have magic within them. Ultima may be a witch, but it's irrelevant. It's not what she is that matters, it's what she does. Who says there can't be good witches? (And according to one of my favorite children's book Which Witch by Eva Ibbotson, there are such things as good witches!) Ultima uses her powers for good, and should be judged accordingly, or better yet-not judged at all! There is really no comparison to be made between Ultima and the evil daughters of Tenorio.
I knew I liked Narciso for a reason! Not only is he this awesome friendly giant who has a drunk garden, and a magical understanding of the golden carp and power inside of him... *gasp*... but he is also a good person! YAY haha. Once again he is one of the only men who uses reason and logic. I love how he completely calls out all of the farmers who followed Tenario for drinking, even though he is known ass "a drunk". He is definitely one of my favorite characters. Ahh, "the magic of Narciso,"!
Now for the golden carp. The golden carp completely challenges Antonio's faith and shakes the foundation of his young life. His mother's God is Jesus, the Luna's god is the moon, and now the golden carp is another god Antonio has to wonder about. Antonio also learns of "the magic in people's hearts." Cico reveals to Antonio that only certain people can see the golden carp, and those people are those with magic. Samuel, Cico, Jason's Indian, Ultima, and Tonie all have that magic within them. Antonio discovering this magic, and making the decision whether to believe in the golden carp or not are steps in his coming of age.
Predictions: I think Ultima calls Antonio "Juan" not simply because it is his middle name, but because it has something to do with his magical abilities and potential. Perhaps she is also a "Juan". Or maybe those who have the ability to see the golden carp are "juans".
Tenorio is going to die/be killed, but not before he harms/kills another character.
The river will flood....duh.
And, once again, I think Ultima is going to die.
As a side note, wasn't their a lot of throwing up in these chapters? "Green bile poured from his mouth...."......yummy.
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