Willa Cather was not a Catholic. (This is something she and I have in common.) Still, Death Comes for the Archbishop clearly empathizes with the plights and has reverence for the priorities and endeavors of the two priests. I like this.
I think the novel takes for granted that the mission of the priests is indeed good and worthy. I bring this up because I wonder if some might question these kinds of works of the church, any church. I think some might ask: Is it necessary to impose this religion on the natives of the New Mexico territory? Does it contribute to the destruction of the Native American culture?
Of course, my own life experiences give me empathy of my own for the priests. I sincerely believe in the need for sacraments done with the proper authority (or ordinances, in the case of my own religion and, let's face it, probably yours too).
So, what do you think? Did Cather intend for us to ever question the missions and purposes of Bishop Latour and Father Vaillant?
My thoughts were following the same path Melissa. I think Cather intends for us to see if from both perspectives.... she seems to want us to see their (Latour and Valliant) somewhat oblivion to their being any other choice or way or religion. I think her way of showing the other perspective is a little subtle and hidden. When Latour is speaking with Jose' during dinner, the young man speaks of his distaste for "Americans" saying they ..."will take our religion away from us. We want our own ways and our own religion." Here I think Cather is letting on that she is fully aware that this same feeling can be said for those native to the land, but that because both of people in this dialouge are Catholic, the message doesn't resonate with them.... but does to us as readers. I think the readers personal religious beliefs definately affects how much/little is read into this and how much thought is placed on it.
ReplyDeleteother thoughts....
*loved the description of the home of Benito. "In its bareness and simplicity there was something comely..." and "He found himself ver much at home witht he four dark-headed men who sat beside him in the candlelight. Their manners were gentle, their voices low and agreeable." I knew that feeling when I read this description....I love those kind of people who are gentle, and have agreeable voices! It made me want to be there at that table eating too! Also, I loved that she adds that they "knelt on the floor beside the table" when they said grace. What a picture of humilty that that creates... especially knowing that most likely the floors were "earthen".
*When Latour describes that night at benito's it is beautifully written. "...he lay there in comfort and safety, with love for his fellow creatures flowing like peace about his heart." Just beautiful. I think all can relate to that feeling. Also in this paragraph, there is a thought-provoking dialouge (of sorts) on miracles. Father Latour says that he knows it is a miracle that he is here and was led by the Holy Mother but he then goes on to say about Joseph... "but his dear Joseph must always have the miracle very direct and spectacular, now with Nature, but against it." What do you think he is implying about Villiant here? I wasn't quite sure but it seems to be an important insight. Any thoughts??
Anyway, really enjoying it so far.... bravo bookish girl book club starters!
Casey
If my sister Kelly were next to me, I'd be poking her with my elbow saying, "See?! Didn't I tell you Casey is awesome?!"
ReplyDeleteOK, so I love this... It was very true for me: My religious beliefs were getting in the way of seeing the other perspective. Although I wondered whether it was there somewhere... I was either too blinded (or lazy?) to find it. I love that you found it in a very specific way.
So, with regard to the last point you make... Miracles are definitely a theme throughout the novel and the passage you reference caught my attention the first time through. (And then I forgot about it. I've got to start marking things! Especially because I can't find the passage at all tonight. Making me nuts! But back to my point...)
So I've been thinking about your comment since I read it earlier today. I was thinking about how it relates to one of the passages I referenced on the blog, the one about divine love and "vision corrected." One of the early miracles of the novel is the cruciform tree. LaTour sees in the juniper tree the form of the cross. Would everyone see it that way? Would it take "vision corrected" to see an otherwise ordinary form in nature, a mere tree, in this miraculous way?
LaTour sees miracles in the everyday, in the ordinary, and in things that go "with" nature... and he likes it that way. When it comes to miracles, on the other hand, Valliant likes a good show. Do you think that LaTour is chastising Valliant for this "need"? Or, do you think LaTour accepts that both kind of miracles, those with and against Nature, are necessary and valid? (I wish I could find the passage to see what I think? It's got to be somewhere! Right?!)