Cultural Conflicts In Bless Me, Ultima By Rudolfo Anaya

Emma Basler

Reppart

Honors World Lit B3

23 March 2023

Self-Identity Through Cultural Conflicts

Rudolfo Anaya wrote Bless Me, Ultima to directly inform his audiences that conflicting cultural traditions are challenging to balance especially at a young age. Anaya wrote this novel to help people understand that a person can incorporate elements from other cultural traditions to create a more complex and dynamic identity. Through the lens of biographical criticism, readers of Anaya's Bless Me, Ultima may develop the thematic idea of how people are raised vary depending on individuals who influence change and identity; however, some readers may develop the thematic idea of change in self-identity may be influenced by conflicts between cultures

“One of the most typical elements of the Bildungsroman is the presence of a mentor. It is the mentor who teaches the young protagonist and directs his or her development in the right direction” (Mioduszewska, Kinga Maria 23). This quote is used to evaluate Antonio’s psychological and emotional growth throughout the novel. Ultima's owl is a representation of both Ultima's existence and the safety and influence she offers Antonio. The owl's singing outside Antonio's window gives him a sense of safety and peacefulness. “My heart was pounding and my lungs hurt, but a calmness had come over the moonlit night when I heard the hooting of Ultima's owl” (Anaya 23). Antonio's mentality is influenced by Ultima's owl. As Ultima encourages Antonio to make his own decisions, live in balance with nature, rely on most of the beliefs given to him, and resist making judgments on others when their opinion differs from his own, Antonio develops from childhood to adulthood. The owl is a representation of Ultima, who is always keeping an eye on Antonio despite challenging cross-cultural situations. “Bless Me, Ultima is largely autobiographical, as Anaya drew on the religious