Analysis of the Book Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya Essay

Analysis of the Book Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya - Essay Example The essay "Analysis of the Book Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya" analyses the actions of the main character Antonio of the book "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya. In his search for identity, Antonio struggles to find his personal belief and value system. The paper investigates Antonio’s religious quest and discusses the juxtaposition of Catholicism, paganism, magic, mythology, and superstition in the novel. Antonio has a somewhat conflicting childhood, with his mother belonging to the Luna family who are mostly farmers and priests and who wants him to become a priest as well. Whereas his father belongs to the MÃ ¡rez clan, a family where roaming the earth and the freedom it gives are encouraged. Antonio is raised as a Catholic, which he adapts to so unquestioningly that at the small age of six he already decides to become a priest when he grows up. However, despite being Catholic, both his parents not only love but also reverse the curandera Ultima. Thus, she is someone w ho holds fast to the traditions of the people and is a healer, though not a witch, albeit she is accused of being so. Most of the people do not know how to react to her, as she has really good healing powers, almost to the point of people suspecting witchcraft. The first time doubts are raised in Antonio’s mind about his Catholic faith is when his friend tells him about the golden carp, a pagan god. The first thought that comes to his mind is if the God the Catholics pray to is the true God or not.