Death Comes for the Archbishop

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses Willa Cather's "Death Comes for the Archbishop". The writer explains that the book depicts the life journey of Father Latour as he is assigned to serve as the Catholic bishop in the New Mexico territory after it is annexed by the United States. The writer points out that starting with the prologue, Cather makes clear that setting will play a critical role in the story and that one must look at New Mexico as a setting in terms of both geography and morality. The writer notes that as three cardinals first discuss the need to assign a bishop to the New Mexico territory, the reader is given a glimpse at the geographic and moral challenges Latour will face. The writer concludes that in the end, Latour successfully confronts inhospitable natural and moral settings and, in finding a way to succeed in these environments, reveals himself as an exceptional character.

Outline:
The Archbishop vs. Nature
Overcoming a Difficult Moral Setting
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Latour's pending greatness is further demonstrated when he is not accepted in Santa Fe and must travel to Durango, Mexico - 1,500 miles each way - to obtain confirmation from the Bishop of Durango that he does, indeed, now have religious authority over the New Mexico territory. The reader is left to consider how easy it would be for Latour to turn around and leave this new assignment that has caused him nothing but sorrow. But, instead, Latour mounts a horse and makes the trip to Durango through dry, barren country. We are beginning to see the development of a character whose personality, imagination and faith are strong enough to withstand the most difficult of challenges. Latour, only a year removed from the relative comforts of Ohio, has become an improviser - a man who overcomes hardships as they are presented."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cather, Willa (1962). "Death Comes for the Archbishop." New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

More papers on Death Comes for the Archbishop:

• Analytical Essay # 14203 : "Herland" ( Charlotte Perkins Gilman ) and "Death Comes For The Archbishop" ( Willa Cather )"
• Book Review # 75208 : "The Make Up of a Perfect Man"
• Argumentative Essay # 22970 : "Death Penalty for the Mentally Challenged"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: