The holy water in the story is symbolic. How does the meaning differ for the priest and Leon? Use examples from the text as you explain how both men view the holy water.

Answer:

In Leslie Marmon Silko's story, the holy water represents the clash and coexistence of two different belief systems. For Leon and his family, the holy water is a traditional tool used to ensure that the deceased, Teofilo, will not be thirsty and will be able to 'send rain clouds' to the community. Leon’s request for the water is practical and rooted in Pueblo culture, rather than a desire for a Catholic ritual. Conversely, for Father Paul, the holy water is a sacred Christian symbol used for the final rites of burial and the salvation of the soul. He is initially hesitant to provide it because the proper Catholic ceremonies were not performed, viewing it through the lens of church dogma. Ultimately, the water serves as a bridge between the two cultures, even though each man interprets its purpose very differently.