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Analysis Of Bless Me, Ultima By Rudolfo A. Anaya

1668 Words7 Pages

What is a legend? Is it a book full of magic and unbelievable imagination that exceeds people’s expectations? Is it a story with many great and impressive heroes that so many dream to become? Or is it a story with a thoughtful meaning? By definition, a legend is just a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated. However, it has a greater significance than just a historical story. Legends play a very important role in most tribes by impacting the tribe member’s way of thinking and acting. In the novel, Bless me, Ultima, the author, Rudolfo A. Anaya, uses many conversations to state his beliefs of the importance of oral traditions. Therefore, from understanding the effects of Ultima's view toward plant life …show more content…

In the story, Anaya displays the spiritual influence of folktales by comparing the different attitudes of Antonio’s choice of the future. At the beginning of the story, Antonio lives in a cozy family, but full of contrasting beliefs. In his dream, Antonio hears his mother cry “Cease!” and then “the men were quiet. I pulled this baby into the light of the life, so I will bury the afterbirth and the cord that once linked him to eternity. Only I will know his destiny”(Anaya 6). The frequent arguing and contradictory views of his parents toward the world make it difficult for Antonio to realize and accept the spiritual influence of their belief systems. This difficulty reveals that Antonio is unsure of his unknown future. He feels like he is a floating boat that has been lost in the middle of the ocean. He cannot see the past, the present, nor the future. He can only see that his boat is starting to slowly sink into the water. At this moment, the moon comes out. The magical power of the moon pulls the boat up to the sea level and points out the way home. Ultima is the most spiritual leader that Antonio met in his life. Ultima is a curandera, a healer who uses folk remedies. She helps to cure people with her magic. Antonio always

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In the novel Bless Me, Ultima, the author Rudulfo Anaya utilizes juxtaposition between the unique characteristics of Márez family and Luna family for the purpose of indicating uncertain destiny of Antonio, conclusively unveiling that whether how big the influences are done on one’s destiny, it can only be determined by one’s own choice. Antonio’s parents have different perspective of Antonio’s future since they belong to two distinct families, and one night Antonio dreams about his birth: “This one will be a Luna…will be a farmer and keep our customs and traditions… He is a Márez… His forefathers were conquistadores, men as restless as the seas they sailed and as free as the land they conquered. He is his father’s blood”(Anaya 6).

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Bless me, Ultima Author- Rudolfo A. Anaya Published date- 1972 Genre- Coming of age Setting • Place-Guadalupe, New Mexico • Time – 1940’s • Atmosphere- Major Characters- • Antonio Márez-

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The hero’s journey is a common theme in many mythological novels that convey the adventures the protagonist experiences as they resolve their conflicts in attempt to become their own savior. As the novels go about the hero’s decisive crisis and victories, the protagonist is often subjected to develop as he grows mentally from learning from his problems. In the novel, Bless Me, Ultima, by Rudolfo Anaya, the story of Antonio exhibits how coming of age can be difficult. As Antonio grows older, he learns that there are many obstacles he must face and surpass, and to aid him with these challenges is his mentor, the curandera, as she brings about the mythical aspects.

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Alongside with the golden carp, the powers of Ultima and her magic parallel the accounts of Jesus’ miracles, furthuring the credibility of Ultima and her magic. Ultima was even paid “five dollars to cheat la muerte,” a feat associated with Jesus telling Lazarus that “he that was death come forth” (91, John 11:44) . The victories of Ultima further the rift and sense of stability Antonio feels between his familiar religion and foreign religion. Anaya uses this inner turmoil to heighten the need for self

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They are read to children by teachers. The stories of battles, immortal beings, ghouls and monsters that are out there to catch people and the ever-successful hero that always saves the day. These stories have been around for many centuries, told even before the first paintings were painted and first books were written. People’s beliefs have all derived from these old stories, as they bring hope to those in despair and inspiration to those lacking ideas. Myths and legends can be seen in all cultures

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He admires her impulsiveness, charisma, and strength. Antonia doesn't always handle situations for the better, but she always perseveres through tough times. This is an exhibition of her strength, emotionally and physically. After the gruesome winter in which Antonia lost her father to suicide, she took on his responsibilities and help her brother and family. Jim, or rather Cather seems to admire her strength.

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Legends are passed down from generation to generation. Each generation might get a different story, but it will have the same meaning. H.M. Forester once said, “All those old myths and legends and fairytales didn’t just appear out of nowhere for no good reason, you know.” For each legend, there is a reason behind it. That legend might have been based off of someone that truly did live or something that might have happened.

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While being faced with the conflict of displaying his talents the alchemist had promised the men, Santiago sought help in where he could access it the most, the desert itself. Desperately in search of help, he was in quest of knowing the ways of the sun, the wind and heaven itself. The communication between Santiago and the desert confused, but at the same time amused the tribesmen. The elements all talked about one topic in which the language of Santiago, was love. Fatima was the first soul that came up in his mind, nevertheless he didn’t want to abandon

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