Bless Me, Ultima

by Rudolfo Anaya

Start Free Trial

Themes: Search for Identity

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Another important theme in the novel is Tony's search for his own identity amidst the clashing expectations of his parents' families. Tony's mother is from the Luna family—Luna translates to "moon." The Lunas are farmers, with their family's founder being a priest. In contrast, Tony's father comes from the Marez family, which means "sea." The Marez family is made up of vaqueros who value the freedom to wander. As her three older sons have adopted the adventurous lifestyle of their father's family, Tony's mother hopes that Tony will choose to be a farmer or, even better, a priest.

Feeling the weight of his family's opposing expectations, Tony yearns to discover his own identity. He eventually realizes he might be able to merge both family traditions when his father explains:

We lived two distinct lives, your mother and I. I came from people who see the wind as a brother because he is free, and the horse as a companion because he embodies the living, fleeting wind—and your mother, well, she came from men who regard the earth as a brother. They are a stable, grounded people. The wind and the earth have been at odds throughout our lives. Perhaps it is time to let go of the old differences. . . . Every generation, every man is connected to his past. He cannot escape it, but he can reshape the old foundations, creating something new.

Expert Q&A

Is there a quote about identity in Bless Me, Ultima?

Antonio sees that he does not have to choose one heritage or religion, but can create his own unique identity.

How did Ultima and Maria influence Tony in Bless Me, Ultima?

Ultima and Maria both significantly influence Tony in his journey of self-discovery. Ultima, a curandera, guides Tony in interpreting his dreams and understanding his mixed heritage of farmers and nomadic cattle herders, helping him navigate his identity. Maria, Tony's mother, dreams of him becoming a farmer or a priest, instilling a strong Catholic foundation. However, Ultima's blend of Catholicism and Native American mysticism challenges Tony's beliefs, prompting him to explore broader spiritual ideas.

In Anaya's Bless Me, Ultima, how does the English-Spanish language conflict affect Antonio's life?

The English-Spanish language conflict in Rudolfo Anaya's novel symbolizes Antonio's cultural and religious struggles. At home, he speaks Spanish, while at school, he must use English, reflecting his need to balance these influences. His dual identity is mirrored in being called "Antonio" or "Tony." This linguistic divide parallels his internal conflict between Catholicism and Indigenous beliefs. Anaya uses a mix of English and Spanish to highlight Antonio's journey towards cultural integration.

Antonio's relationships with and perceptions of his parents in "Bless Me, Ultima"

Antonio's relationships with his parents in "Bless Me, Ultima" are complex. He admires his mother’s devout Catholic faith and dreams of him becoming a priest, while he respects his father’s free-spirited, vaquero lifestyle. These contrasting perceptions create an inner conflict for Antonio as he navigates his identity and future path.

The significance of the title and Ultima's name in "Bless Me, Ultima"

The title "Bless Me, Ultima" and Ultima's name signify the guiding and protective role she plays in the protagonist's life. Ultima, meaning "last" in Latin, represents the final and most significant spiritual influence on Antonio, offering him wisdom and a sense of identity through her teachings and blessings.

Comparative analysis of similar coming-of-age stories in literature and film to Bless Me, Ultima

A comparative analysis of coming-of-age stories in literature and film similar to Bless Me, Ultima often highlights themes of personal growth, cultural identity, and moral development. Works like To Kill a Mockingbird and films such as "Stand by Me" similarly explore the protagonist's journey through childhood challenges, societal expectations, and the quest for self-understanding.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Previous

Themes: Loss of Innocence and Quest for Understanding

Next

Themes: Clash of Cultures

Loading...