Spanish Colonial History of New Mexico Alluded to in Narrative:
ð references to Spanish Colonial History in the narrative are mostly of mythological character,
mainly concerning the achievements of Spanish Catholic Missionaries and their struggles with
the native population
ð “Our Spanish fathers made good martyrs” (p. 8) → Spanish Franciscans were among the first
to explore the southwest pueblo country in the 16th century and persisted in their efforts
preaching Christianity and establishing missions, though many of them suffered martyrdom
(killed by the natives) → by 1630 they had converted about 20000 Indians and established
more than 50 missions in the Rio Grande Valley
ð Great Indian Revolt of 1680 (p.152) → close to 400 settlers and 21 of 33 priests massacred by
Pueblo Indians under the leadership of Popé → missionary work was destroyed until the reconquest
of the territory by Don Diego de Vargas in 1692-93
ð Church at Àcoma → built in early 17th century by Fray Ramirez and his followers → Cather
seems to criticize this missioners through the figure of Latour , who expresses the suspicion
that Fray Ramirez let the Àcoma build the church out of his worldly ambition and not according
to the needs of the Indians [...]
Table of Contents
1. Colonial History
1.1 Spanish Colonial History of New Mexico Alluded to in Narrative
2. Historical Personalities in Death comes for the Archbishop
2.1 Bishop Jean Baptiste Lamy and Father Joseph Projectus Machebeuf
2.2 Padre Antonio José Martinez
3. Cather’s Treatment of New Mexico 19th century History after the American Annexation
4. Cather’s Treatment of 19th Century Ideology
Research Objectives and Themes
This work examines Willa Cather’s portrayal of colonial and 19th-century history within the novel "Death Comes for the Archbishop," specifically focusing on the intersection of historical fact, ideological representation, and fictional narrative.
- The influence of Spanish colonial history and missionary work on the narrative setting.
- Discrepancies between historical figures and their fictional counterparts.
- The depiction of the transition from Mexican to Anglo-American ecclesiastical and political authority.
- Analysis of ideologies regarding race, progressivism, and liberalism in the American Southwest.
- The impact of American annexation on local cultures and the indigenous population.
Excerpt from the Book
Padre Antonio José Martinez:
Padre Martinez is one of the most controversial figures in the history of New Mexico
some critics claim that Cather has done great injustice to Padre Martinez through making him a villain in her narrative
he is called a “dictator” (P.193), “little potentate”(P.156),
accused of leading and planning the revolt against U.S. military in 1847, in which General Bent and other Americans were massacred (P.32, 139,150)
accused of having managed to profit financially by acquiring the property of the Taos Indians who were executed for their role in the rebellion (P.139)
accused of leading an immoral life (P.76, 142f., 161)
accused of rebelling against Rome and the authority of the Pope
Summary of Chapters
Colonial History: This chapter outlines the historical references to Spanish colonial efforts and the establishment of missions in the Rio Grande Valley as depicted in Cather's work.
Historical Personalities in Death comes for the Archbishop: This section compares the fictional characters Bishop Latour and Father Vaillant with their real-life counterparts, and analyzes the controversial portrayal of Padre Antonio José Martinez.
Cather’s Treatment of New Mexico 19th century History after the American Annexation: This chapter discusses how Cather handles the geopolitical shift after the Mexican War, emphasizing local social struggles over broader political history.
Cather’s Treatment of 19th Century Ideology: This chapter explores how themes of progressivism, liberalism, and racial dynamics are woven into the novel’s portrayal of conflicting civilizations.
Keywords
Willa Cather, Death Comes for the Archbishop, Colonial History, Bishop Lamy, Padre Martinez, American Annexation, New Mexico, Missionary Work, Catholic Progressivism, Ideology, Race, Indigenous Peoples, Navajos, Historical Fiction, 19th Century.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this academic study?
The study examines Willa Cather’s literary treatment of history and ideology in her novel "Death Comes for the Archbishop," focusing on how she balances historical facts with narrative fiction.
What are the core thematic fields covered in this analysis?
The analysis covers colonial history, the adaptation of historical figures, the aftermath of the American annexation of New Mexico, and 19th-century ideologies regarding progress and race.
What is the central research focus of the work?
The work focuses on how Cather constructs her narrative environment by blending historical events with specific ideological viewpoints, often modifying real-life figures for artistic purposes.
Which scientific approach does the author apply?
The author uses a comparative literary approach, contrasting the historical records of the 19th-century Southwest with their representation in Cather’s narrative.
What topics are analyzed in the main body of the text?
The text analyzes the influence of Spanish missionaries, the contentious role of Padre Martinez, the impact of the American annexation on cultural coexistence, and the novel's stance on racial and societal hierarchies.
Which keywords best characterize the research?
Key terms include Willa Cather, Catholic progressivism, New Mexico history, colonial impact, historical distortion, and cultural identity.
How does Cather depict the historical figure of Padre Martinez?
Cather portrays Padre Martinez as a controversial villain and "dictator," a characterization that some critics argue is an injustice compared to his historical role as a benefactor and community leader.
What does the text conclude about Cather's portrayal of the Navajo expulsion?
The text suggests that while Cather acknowledges the brutal history of the Navajo expulsion, she balances this by depicting her main character, the Bishop, as feeling deep sympathy and injustice regarding the events.
- Citar trabajo
- Jelena Vukadinovic (Autor), 2003, Cather’s Treatment of Colonial and 19th- Century History and Ideology in Death Comes for the Archbishop, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/126102
