Bless Me Ultima

There are many themes in the story Bless Me Ultima, many views, many interpretations that can be drawn from the text. What the story ultimately comes down to is what was on Rudolfo Anaya’s mind at the time of writing the book. The aspect that draws most interest is what aspect of Anaya’s own personal life was he drawing attention to. And the answer to that question is that he was spiritually torn at the time of writing this story.

The first theme that draws religious significance is of the three deaths. Antonio (Tony) Marez is a small boy, at the young age of six. He faces many difficult challenges that he must overcome using his wits and his faith as the story progresses. Of the many themes that can be drawn from this book, a few stand out as most important to the future of Tony.

The most important events Tony faces in the story are the three un-natural deaths he witnesses. The deaths are used as symbols in their story. The way each death occurred and the reactions all symbolize Tony’s ongoing maturity as the story progresses. The first of these deaths is the killing of Lupito.

Lupito is described as a man who is mentally unbalanced after returning from the war. As the commotion starts, Chavez tells us that his brother,

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He wondered what would happen to Florence now that he had left the world. Tony had become almost a spiritual mentor to Florence, who did not believe in anything.

A church man, someone who relies upon the Bible for all the answers, can be a very educated man.

Another very important theme to the story is the nature of Ultima. Tony has already been changed by other events that have occurred. He told Florence of God, and had planned to tell him of the carp. He embraced Florence and accepted him as his friend. This death is much more tragic than the death of Lupito. Florence simply had no belief to live by.

In any novel, it is interesting to think about the author. The order of the deaths, the personal loss to Tony of each death, and the way Tony dealt with each death is symbolic of Tony’s spiritual maturity. Narciso was shot and then forced to fight for his life.

The third un-natural death Tony is present at is the death of his young friend, Florence. He was beginning to question his own catholic faith and starting to think of other possible answers to the cosmic questions that surround an all powerful presence.

Approximate Word count = 1548
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

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