Call it a CliffsNotes, not Cliff Note or Cliffs Note. If you're looking for the original literature study guide series, then you've come to the right place.
Default Cover Image

Death Comes for the Archbishop

Willa Cather

CliffsNotes on Death Comes for the Archbishop follows the story of Father Jean Latour's ministry in the 19th century American Southwest. Along with Father Joseph Vaillant, Latour revives the Catholic Church in the region after nearly 300 years of neglect. He inspires his parishes, heals old rifts, builds a cathedral, and champions the causes of the native peoples. Major themes in Willa Cather's narrative include order and the reclamation and preservation of the past.

Life and Background of the Author

Family Background

Education and Early Work

Cather the Novelist

About the Novel

Introduction to the Novel

A Brief Synopsis

List of Characters

Character Map

Summaries and Commentaries

Prologue: At Rome

Book One: The Vicar Apostolic: Chapter 1

Book One: The Vicar Apostolic: Chapter 2

Book One: The Vicar Apostolic: Chapter 3

Book One: The Vicar Apostolic: Chapter 4

Book Two: Missionary Journeys: Chapter 1

Book Two: Missionary Journeys: Chapter 2

Book Three: The Mass at Acoma: Chapter 1

Book Three: The Mass at Acoma: Chapter 2

Book Three: The Mass at Acoma: Chapter 3

Book Three: The Mass at Acoma: Chapter 4

Book Four: Snake Root: Chapter 1

Book Four: Snake Root: Chapter 2

Book Five: Padre Martinez: Chapter 1

Book Five: Padre Martinez: Chapter 2

Book Six: Dona Isabella: Chapter 1

Book Six: Dona Isabella: Chapter 2

Book Seven: The Great Diocese: Chapter 1

Book Seven: The Great Diocese: Chapter 2

Book Seven: The Great Diocese: Chapter 3

Book Seven: The Great Diocese: Chapter 4

Book Eight: Gold Under Pikes Peak: Chapter 1

Book Eight: Gold Under Pikes Peak: Chapter 2

Book Eight: Gold Under Pikes Peak: Chapter 3

Book Nine: Death Comes for the Archbishop: Chapters 1–8

Character Analyses

Jean Marie Latour

Joseph Vaillant

Kit Carson

Padre Gallegos, Fray Baltazar Montoya, Padre Marino Lucero, and Antonio Joseph Martinez

Don Antonio and Dona Isabella Olivares

Philomene, Magdalena, and Inez Olivares

Jacinto, Eusabio, Benito, and Manuelito

Critical Essays

Major Themes in Death Comes for the Archbishop

Death Comes for the Archbishop as a Catholic Novel

Study Help

Quiz

Essay Questions

Practice Projects

Cite this Literature Note

Take the Quiz Why is Latour is selected as Bishop of the New Mexico?
  1. The Vatican wants him to retrieve a valuable painting.
  2. The Pope fears the Protestant American government.
  3. They require a man with zeal and intelligence.
  4. They fear for his life in Ohio.
Quiz
Study Guides To-Go!
Get the complete text from CliffsNotes guides on your video iPod®.
Learn more!
cover
Learn the Words You Should Know
Vocabulary Puzzles is the fun way to ace the SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT & more!
The Ultimate Learning Experience!
WATCH the film and READ the lit note for a fast way to study!
Learn more!