Death Comes for the Archbishop Lesson Plan

For most of the novel, Bishop Latour has been reserved, almost stoic. But he has big dreams and almost excesses when describing his planned cathedral. What accounts for this change of perspective? Is it a positive or negative development in the bishop?

Students will note that Vaillant has reservations about the excesses of Latour's cathedral, and thus believe that he's lost sight of his values. They may even argue that Latour has become as bad as Martinez in seeking out his own ends. Others might contend that Latour wants to bring something of beauty to the area, inspired by the churches he visited throughout his journeys.

Why can't Bishop Latour admit that he misses...