The Theme Of Identity In Bless Me, Ultima By Rudolfo Anaya

It is impossible to avoid change, and the past can’t be ignored either. They both make the world what it is today. The novel, Bless Me, Ultima, written by Rudolfo Anaya, illuminates the story of the protagonist Antonio and his quest to discover his identity through his rooted traditions along with the changing world around him. He struggles to acknowledge his sense of self as a little boy who is confused between the pressure of his family’s cultural and spiritual beliefs opposed to his changing beliefs due to overseeing the modern world that made him question his family's perspectives. Similarly, the film Whale Rider, by Niki Caro, displays the journey of a girl named Paikea, known as Pai, and her difficulties in recognizing her true destiny

Modernism takes a critical role in forming Antonio's understanding of his own belonging. Antonio's blazing curiosity for more knowledge leads him to doubt the traditional beliefs of his Catholic family. These beliefs do not correspond with modern ideologies he was introduced to by his friends and teachers. With the pressuring influence of his family to become a priest, Antonio “wanted to become a priest, but [he] wanted to understand everything first. [He] wanted to ask all the questions.'' (20). This wish for “understanding” and searching is due to the influence of modernism on Antonio's perspectives. Antonio has the need to “understand everything” and “ask all questions’’ before being sure about what he wants to become, revealing how big of an impact modernity really has on Antonio’s identity. This is an instance of how the modernism of Antonio’s surroundings alters his perspective on his sense of self. Antonio's experiences with Ultima, a curandera, represent how cultural and spiritual practices also take an equally pivotal role in creating Antonio’s identity. Ultima introduces Antonio to the connection of nature and living things, along with guiding him through finding purpose within his life. Thinking about Ultima’s teachings, he admits that, "She had put together the fragments of [his] faith for [him]" (70). The

At the end of the film, Pai gives an inspiring speech at her school. In this speech, she explores many ideas that no one in her tribe has been exposed to. She reveals to everyone, "I'm not a prophet, but I know that our people will keep going forward all together, with all of our strength." (Caro) Pai challenges the traditional process of finding a leader that her opposing grandfather, Koro, holds, and she asserts her right to become the new chief, showing a modern sense of authority and creating a community that is inclusive of everyone. This speech reflects the idea of moving forward united as opposed to what her grandfather thinks, which limits one’s capability according to ancient traditions he lives by. He wants a prophet to lead them all, but she tells everyone how she is “not a prophet”, but will still accomplish what they need. Pai sees modernity as a way of discovering her strengths and abilities, and this is what helps her find belonging in the community. With all this, Pai also relies on her heritage and ancestry values to complete the responsibility of uniting her people forward. Furthermore, Pai is aware of how to do this because of the guidance of her ancestors, she explains,"When my time comes, I will be the one to climb up to