1.) Bless me Ultima is a story about a young boy, Antonio, overcoming his family's expectations for what they want his life to be. But instead, he finds his own path and discovers his passions in life, not his parents. His father intended for him to take after his footsteps in running open green lands, while his mother wanted him to become a priest. During this confusing time of Antonio's life, Ultima, his grandmother, is invited to come stay with them. Ultima is a healer and knows a lot about medicine. Antonio's parents welcome her into their home with open arms. She becomes a good influence on the family, and mainly because it's part of their heritage to help the family's elders. Antonio goes through several different incidents that make him question what is right from wrong in the world. For example, he witnesses a man shot to death for killing the sheriff of the town. Another example, seeing his dad sacrifice his dreams and desires all the time and moving. Also, the fight between two friends that leaves one of them dead. To top it off, Antonio's life is at stake in several scenes, and this impacts his thinking dramatically (obviously). By the end of the novel, Antonio becomes a new man with a new perspective on the world. Unfortunately, Ultima passes away by the end of the novel. Her spirit animal, an owl, is killed moments before her, foreshadowing her death. Ultima is primarily responsible for Antonio's new understanding of the world. She affected Antonio and his family in nothing but positive ways. The novel symbolizes the Hispanic heritage through their family's relationships, and that people can rise up and power through anything; even poverty or death.
2.) Themes of the novel include:
The impact of Heritage- Antonio's Hispanic heritage impacted the story on a plot as well as character basis. The rule of heritage allowed Ultima to be welcomed into her relatives home. To other heritages, this seems obscure. Also, Hispanic elders are known for knowledge and wisdom. Younger generations are taught to respect them and honor their teachings. Antonio and Ultima has a great relationship of passing down lessons.
Independence: Antonio was fully prepared to sacrifice his own dreams to fulfill his parents. But with Ultima's help, he was able to gain his independence and walk his own path in life. This is an extremely hard thing to do at Antonio's age and also because of his culture. It was alsmost impossible to defy his parents in doing what he wanted to do in his own life. This is why this theme sticks out so much. You must always take into consideration other people's opinions, but you must live your life for yourself.
Violence doesn't Solve Anything: Through out the whole story, it seemed like every chapter brought blood shed of some sort. No one should ever stoop to violence in the hopes of solving a problem. Antonio experienced killings in several instances, and it made him question the justification of how people in his town handled situations poorly. Antonio realizes that not everything elders/authority do are right, which is hard for him to understand because he's told to respect all they say/do. This new understanding opens his eyes to the wrong doings in life that often go unpunished or over looked, and it makes him realize the world is not perfect, but often cruel.
3.) - "It seemed the more I knew about people, the more I knew about the strange magic hidden in their hearts." The tone depicted here is reminiscent of childhood and shows Antonio's loss of innocence as he realizes people have underlying evil.
-"I had been afraid of the awful presence of the river, but with Ultima, I learned that my spirit shares in the spirit of all things." The tone shown here is Antonio's enlightenment in his new understanding of his own dreams. He sees that nature plays a role in society and that everything is interconnected and he finds a beauty in his own fulfillment of his life.
-"Good is always stronger than evil, always remember that. The smallest bit of good can stand against all the powers of evil in the world, and it will remain triumphant." The tone here is plane and simple faith. Antonio and Ultima share faith in the world, that good will always out weigh the evil, and that people are filled with more good than bad. They share hope, faith, and dreams for a better world, and they trust and believe in it through out the whole novel.
Part 2: Characterization
1.) "Antonio will be a man of learning."-Ultima. This is direct characterization of Antonio. Ultima sees his potential and his bright future.
"Take them to my room!" This was the first time I had spoke to my mother as a man; she obeyed.-Antonio
This is an example of indirect characterization because Antonio's actions describe his charcter, not the narrator listing them. His dominate expression shows his maturity and urgency as a man rather than a child.
My lasting impression of Antonio after these quotes from the novel leave me to think of Antonio as an individual with the desire to learn and grow, not only physically but mentally. He Makes a huge transition from a child into adulthood quite dramatically. Ultima, along the way, helps him to realize his true capabilities.
2.) The book is based around Hispanic Culture, so the author does change syntax and diction quite often. exmaples being Spanish phrases like "Llano" and "Vaquero" are used when referring to Antonio's father. Also, the author is specifically focused on the diction for Antonio and Ultima. They are much more developed and have specific plot situations that display their character more in depth.
3.) The protagonist, Antonio, is extremely dynamic and round. He goes from complete child-like ignorance of the world he thought he knew, to undergoing one of life;s biggest changes as he enters adult hood and sees the world is not all sunshine and rainbows. It's filled with hidden evil and wrongdoings. life is filled with injustices, and Antonio begins to realize this through harsh situations like death. This change he experiences makes him an ideal dynamic character.
4.) I found it really easy to relate to Antonio in certain aspects. From battling poverty, to realizing the harsh realities of the world, and having to experience a loved once death so early in life. All these obstacles share a great deal in difficulties mentally. Although not all of Antonios set backs were relatable (I never experienced someone trying to murder me). But, From the change he made from child ignorance to adult realizations is very relatable from a teenager's eyes.
1.) "Antonio will be a man of learning."-Ultima. This is direct characterization of Antonio. Ultima sees his potential and his bright future.
"Take them to my room!" This was the first time I had spoke to my mother as a man; she obeyed.-Antonio
This is an example of indirect characterization because Antonio's actions describe his charcter, not the narrator listing them. His dominate expression shows his maturity and urgency as a man rather than a child.
My lasting impression of Antonio after these quotes from the novel leave me to think of Antonio as an individual with the desire to learn and grow, not only physically but mentally. He Makes a huge transition from a child into adulthood quite dramatically. Ultima, along the way, helps him to realize his true capabilities.
2.) The book is based around Hispanic Culture, so the author does change syntax and diction quite often. exmaples being Spanish phrases like "Llano" and "Vaquero" are used when referring to Antonio's father. Also, the author is specifically focused on the diction for Antonio and Ultima. They are much more developed and have specific plot situations that display their character more in depth.
3.) The protagonist, Antonio, is extremely dynamic and round. He goes from complete child-like ignorance of the world he thought he knew, to undergoing one of life;s biggest changes as he enters adult hood and sees the world is not all sunshine and rainbows. It's filled with hidden evil and wrongdoings. life is filled with injustices, and Antonio begins to realize this through harsh situations like death. This change he experiences makes him an ideal dynamic character.
4.) I found it really easy to relate to Antonio in certain aspects. From battling poverty, to realizing the harsh realities of the world, and having to experience a loved once death so early in life. All these obstacles share a great deal in difficulties mentally. Although not all of Antonios set backs were relatable (I never experienced someone trying to murder me). But, From the change he made from child ignorance to adult realizations is very relatable from a teenager's eyes.
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