Bless Me Ultima Character Analysis

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Author Rudolfo Anaya’s novel Bless Me, Ultima is a story that pays a strong respect to family and culture values. The story itself is a semi- autobiography during the childhood of the author. Throughout the story he used experiences and memories, from the way he describes the town, people, school and church. In the Novel, we follow the life of six year old Antonio Marez, who is struggling with different questions about life and death, he ponders to know why doesn’t God punish evil and help the good. More questions arise after his close friend Cico tells Antonio about the Golden Carp. And the experiences he has with his mysterious caretaker, friend and teacher Ultima. From beginning to end in the novel there are many events that test the strength and values of the Marez family. When Ultima comes to live out her remaining time with the Marez family, they treat her with the upmost respect calling her “La Grande” and taking her in as if she was family. In the during the story relationships are being tested, Antonio’s father Gabriel has a big dream of moving to California with the family, but refuses to leave until all three of his older sons come back from war (WWII). Soon after Antonio’s brothers return home from war, a short time after two of his brothers’ (Gene and Leon) leave and head to Vegas, crushing Gabriel’s dream. Although, only one brother (Andrew) has decided to stick around, Antonio and he begin to form a relationship that he didn’t have with the others. Since the arrival of Ultima many of the town people question the Marez family for allowing a bruja (witch) to live with them and because of her, many individuals take a stand against them. The Marez family and Narciso show great connection by rallying around Ultima, ... ... middle of paper ... ...logies and 6 performed plays. He has also been honored and rewarded 17 times. Now, he is currently retired and resided in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Authors from Mexican decent are often know for their Chicano literature. It can be dated back to the 16th century written by Spanish explorer Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca. Although, most Mexican American Literature is dated after 1848. During the Mexican-American war, when they annexed large parts of land that used to be Mexico. There are many trends to Chicano literature, most common theme of discrimination, finding identity, dealing with differences in culture and history. Especially emphasizing the Chicano culture and experience in the United States, many themes portrayed in most Chicano novels, consist of writing in “Spanglish” Spanish and English, involvement in migration, immigration and political stands.

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