Symbols In Rudolfo Anaya's Bless Me Ultima
“I cannot tell you what to believe. . . As you grow into manhood you must find your own truths.” Ultima, an old curandera, explains this to young Antonio Marez as he begs for advice (Anaya 119). Bless Me Ultima is a mystical realism novel in which 6 year old protagonist, Antonio Marez, begins the journey of discovering himself on the path of adolescence. He is influenced by the symbols of the unfolding world around him. Throughout the book, symbols in his environment cause him to contemplate his morals and true beliefs. In the novel, Bless Me Ultima, Rudolfo Anaya uses the golden carp, Ultima’s owl, and the Virgin of Guadalupe as symbols to display the theme of determining what is moral.
The first symbol, the golden carp, is a pagan river deity.
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The Virgin of Guadalupe is most often mentioned in the novel when going to pray for forgiveness (Anaya pg). Thus, proving that forgiveness is a trait reflected by the Virgin of Guadalupe. In Catholicism, the Virgin of Guadalupe is a symbol of Mary, who was chosen to lead Christians to Jesus; because of this, followers of Christianity are said to be eternally grateful. This is why praying to her is sign of wanting forgiveness. When Tony is facing difficulties and is questioning his morals he prays for advice. Throughout the novel, the Virgin is seen as a connecting force for both causes: his beliefs and Ultima’s earth mystics. The Virgin plays a large role and has strong connections with Tonys religion, Catholicism. Catholics, especially throughout the novel, pray to the Virgin and see her as a rolemodel. The miracle of the Virgin of Guadalupe occurred on Tonys homeland giving the Virgin native connections. Both perspectives can be seen through the Virgin providing Tony with a solid connection he can always look upon when questioning his morals. Lastly, the Virgin is a symbols of Mary, a motherly figure that portrays characteristic of nurture. As Tony struggles during his adolescent stage he look upon the motherly influence of the Virgin for
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