Significance and Mood of the Finals Scenes of "Death Comes for the Archbishop"

Throughout much of the Death Comes for the Archbishop Jean Latour is torn between his new diocese and his homeland, and he never seems at ease for very long. He goes through bouts of doubt and loneliness, and is often recalling the comforts of home and the times when Vaillant was able to spend time with him. However, a huge change happens during the last chapters when Latour is lying on his death bed. No longer does he crave the mountains and green fields of France, no longer does he wish for a life lived in comfort. Instead, he recalls with great admiration and pride the life of action that he chose for himself. His perspective on all the things that had bothered him in his early life became valuable memories, just as the qualities he once thought inappropriate in Vaillant became cherished during Vaillant's long absences from him.

Latour also begins to recall many fond memories, and we see the things and people he cherished the most come out clearly. His memories of Father Vaillant are so fond, their friendship was clearly of such deep importance to him that even up until his last moments of breath, he thought of his dear Joseph Vaillant. His last actions deep within his memories were to console the sickly boy who was so torn between breaking his father's heart and breaking his vow to Heaven (Cather 297). Someplace in his heart, he felt that Joseph was still alive, he was still so much a part of his existence. However, there was no longer a future in Latour's mind, only a past. He and Joseph are part of that past, and he thinks only of the past in his dying days. He even tells the aged Eusabio, "We must not try to know the future" (Cather 289). Latour realizes that the future will care for itself, that he has played his part and lived a good and productive life. The past is where his heart lies, and he finds most joy in recalling the days he spend alongside the few friends he was able to make, and the fond memories of his work.

In the same conversation with Eusabio as was mentioned above, we also see that Latour reconciling with the wrongs and mistakes that he has made during his life in New Mexico. He recalls the condition of the Navajos and his sadness at his inability to help, but also the joy in seeing "two great wrongs righted...the end of black slavery, and...the Navejos restored to their own country" (Cather 290). Part of this deals with the fact that the Navajos were wronged within his diocese, and partially because of his views as a man. Seeing both things become right in his time was a proud moment.

Another things that we notice about Latour is his change of mind on New Mexico. Throughout the book we see Father Vaillant's enthusiasm and love for New Mexico. Vaillant loves the people, the land, everything, but Latour is constantly thinking of France. Continually things in New Mexico remind him of France and he falls deep into reminiscence. However, in his old age Latour chooses not to return home and spend his elder years tutoring young priests in training or basing in the French gardens. Instead, he chooses exile in the new world. He realizes the beauty of the land, the beauty and meaning in the sunsets, the red earth, and the orchards he planted with his own hands. He finally comes to see what Vaillant saw all along. He noted that "at least he had the sense of being in a friendly world, where by every man's fireside a welcome awaited him" (Cather 275). No longer does Latour see just a land hard and stubborn, torn between the Catholic world and the old superstitions. He has grown fond of the people, and the warmth of heart found there. As Latour is lying in bed he tells Bernard "Je voudrais mourir a Santa Fe" which means "I want to die in Sante Fe" (Cather 267), clearly expressing his fondness and attachment to the city.

Clearly, the mood as Latour dies is not one of pity or sadness. Latour himself admits he has lived a good life, a life of action, and is satisfied with it. He also admits that nearly all of his friends have passed and that in the past is where his life lies. There is a sense of finality and resolution when Latour passes. Like Latour, the reader is satisfied with the life that has been lived. Latour has no regrets or remorse. He is glad he went to New Mexico. He is happy with his long friendship with Vaillant and seeks to see him again in Heaven. Although death is a sad thing for those left behind, Latour never mourned his passing. The sharp contrast between he and Father Lucero's death clearly illustrates the serenity with which Latour passes. While Lucero seems to have terrible visions of Martinez, his lifetime partner in crime, Latour has fond memories of aiding and bringing to his most loved work his dear friend Vaillant. Furthermore, Lucero dies screaming and wreathing, stricken with paranoia, regret, remorse, and vanity; while Latour dies peacefully in the place he loves, dreaming of the people he loved, and with hundreds of prayers beings sent up for him by those who love and admire him. Latour's death is sad, but his passing is peaceful, and everyone around has come to terms with it.

Cather, Willa. _Death Comes for the Archbishop_. New York: Vintage Books, 1990.