One of the most impressing aspects of Rudolfo Anaya's novel Bless Me, Ultima, is the way he blends reality and the magical together: magical realism. It is an interesting feat, allowing both the natural and magical worlds to meld together into a story in which no one questions the power of a bruja or a curandera, but takes in stride the world of the mystical. The juxtaposition of the Catholic faith and magical means of accomplishing feats is a driving force behind the story of Antonio Marez, the six year old narrator of the novel.
In the story, Antonio is a young boy living in WWII era New Mexico in a small town, Guadalupe. Then, one summer, his life is changed with the arrival of Ultima, a cuandera, a woman who is learned in traditional medicine that is different from modern medicine and the belief that prayer and priests can affect the living. The arrival of Ultima begins a turbulent time for Antonio. He begins to spend much of his time with Ultima, learning what she knows, and going with her when she has to do her healing (such as the case of Antonio's uncle Lucas). But the arrival of Ultima means that Antonio begins to question what he has always accepted. How can he believe in Ultima's work and still be a good Catholic? How can he be saved in the eyes of God if he believes in the gold carp that lives in the river, who is supposed to be a pagan god from long ago?
I believe that Bless Me, Ultima is a story about a young child growing up in a whirlwind of confusion. Antonio Marez is a boy struggling with his faith, and also with his identity. His parents each want him to be something different: his father wants him to grow to embrace his Marez heritage, and his mother wants him to be a priest. Unfortunately for Antonio, he is pushed in many directions by different people, and he can't find himself quite yet.
Great summary of the book. This question of Who Am I? as opposed to Who Do People Want Me To Be? is interesting. I think everyone experiences this kind of struggle during their lifetime. We are who we are because of our relationships.
ReplyDeleteAs Antonio's bond with Ultima grows, he questions his Catholic faith. I think this kind of stretching, doubting, wrestling, is a wonderful thing. It builds character and prepares you for harder times in life. It helps you begin to figure out who you really are inside.
Who we are really are. This is a constant battle that is forever changing. We don't know ourselves apart from our relationships, so how can we know who we are at our core, at the heart of life?
As Mandy points out, you do a good job of pointing out key conflicts in the novel. Does Antonio ever resolve his inner conflict about Ultima's teachings and the teachings of the church? Is it possible for them to coexist, or does he need to move beyond his current childish understandings to find a greater faith? Many of the conflicts in this book appear to present a thesis and antithesis--with the possibility that Antonio, if he doesn't give up, will find a higher synthesis.
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