Bless Me, Ultima By Rudolfo Anaya

In Rudolfo Anaya's "Bless Me, Ultima", the young Antonio Márez goes through hardships during World War II. His journey of self-discovery and inner peace comes to light in the end. Antonio’s journey symbolizes his development of morals and spirituality, in his self-discovery journey. With having a difficult time finding his true self, with the guidance of his mysterious mentor, the Curandera Ultima, his spiritual awakening starts to grow. He finally dares to challenge the strict morals, and traditions of his community. While crossing the path to find his purpose and following his fate with understanding and acceptance, he also begins to embrace religion, culture, and background. Antonio's journey and experiences in Bless Me, Ultima has shaped

Lupito’s death traumatized and marked the beginning of Antonio’s journey to self-discovery, which shows how big of an impact it had on Antonio’s life. This led him to question his Catholic faith and the Creator for the first time. After losing his innocence, seeing a person die before him. Antonio was lost in thoughts wondering where Lupito’s soul would reside, and if God would ever forgive him, even after committing a mortal sin. "I was learning that everything made sense" (120). Antonio initiates his spirituality and self-discovery journey after he begins confronting reality with questions, instead of blindly following his parents withhold thinking. While exploring and questioning, attempting to find his inner peace, being raised in a religious Catholic home with parents of different backgrounds makes it difficult as he navigates through his discovery

He thinks that rather than accepting things as they are without doubt, the only way to truly know anything is to think critically and ask questions. Antonio pushes the limits of what is deemed feasible and plausible to upend the current status quo and free himself from the confines of conventional thinking. The importance Antonio places on individual accountability and self-sufficiency is another component of his worldview. He feels that people should develop their own inner strength and moral compass, rather than depending on others for direction and approval. "Ultima had said that my destiny awaited me, and I walked with the knowledge that my people and my family would have to understand and accept the destiny I made for myself." 124. The 'Standard' of the 'Standard'. This shows how he is striving to carve his own path and continue to be determined, even if that causes his family disapproval. The determination he has instead of obediently following other people's instructions, he encourages people to think independently and oversee their own lives, making their own