Death Comes for the Archbishop · Question
How does Death Comes for the Archbishop develop the theme of Mission and Sacrifice?
Answer
Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather develops Mission and Sacrifice across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The book follows the missionary journeys of Latour and Vaillant, highlighting their physical hardships, personal sacrifices, and dedication to spreading Catholicism among Native Americans and Mexicans in the Southwest.
Bishop Ferrand emphasizes the sacrifices required of a missionary in New Mexico, including dried buffalo meat, water scarcity, and the risk of martyrdom.
Latour's solitary journey to reclaim his bishopric and his willingness to endure thirst and danger underscore his sacrificial commitment to his mission.
Both men reflect on the sacrifices of missionary life, from Vaillant's longing for his garden to Latour's acceptance of his role as a 'business man' and American.
Evidence in the book
- Prologue
Bishop Ferrand emphasizes the sacrifices required of a missionary in New Mexico, including dried buffalo meat, water scarcity, and the risk of martyrdom.
- I: The Cruciform Tree
Latour's solitary journey to reclaim his bishopric and his willingness to endure thirst and danger underscore his sacrificial commitment to his mission.
- The Bishop Chez Lui
Both men reflect on the sacrifices of missionary life, from Vaillant's longing for his garden to Latour's acceptance of his role as a 'business man' and American.
- Book II: Missionary Journeys
Father Vaillant's relentless dedication to his missionary duties, including marrying servants and baptizing children despite hardships, and his sacrifice of personal comfort to secure better mounts for the Church.
- The White Mules
Father Vaillant's relentless dedication to his missionary duties, including traveling on a poor horse and negotiating for better mounts to serve the Church.
- Book VI: Doña Isabella
Latour's ambition to build a cathedral is a personal mission that he hopes will outlast him, and the priests intervene in the will dispute to protect the Church's interests.
- The Month of Mary
Vaillant's willingness to leave his family and endure illness to serve forgotten Catholics exemplifies the missionary spirit.
- I: The Month of Mary
Vaillant's willingness to leave his family and endure hardship to minister to isolated Catholics reflects the theme of sacrifice for a higher calling.
