Text-Based Essay Writing Tasks

Essay 1 "Bless Me Ultima" by James Brunelle

1.    In the opening paragraph, Brunelle states: “Antonio is torn between three destinies.”  In your own words, describe these “three destinies.”

2.    How many times is the “golden carp” mentioned in the essay?  What is a “golden carp”?

3.    What does Brunelle mean when he says: “He [Antonio] cannot become a priest and believe in the golden carp” (paragraph 2)?

4.    In what way could Ultima’s magic be considered similar to Christianity?  In what way is it different?

5.    What do you think the name “Ultima” implies?