Bless Me, Ultima

by

Rudolfo Anaya

Ultima's Owl

Ultima has an owl that follows her everywhere and becomes a symbol of her mysterious power. At first Antonio is afraid of it, but soon he regards the owl as a comforting, watchful presence. The… read analysis of Ultima's Owl

The Golden Carp

Antonio discovers the golden carp at a time when he is starting to doubt his mother's Catholicism. The golden carp is supposedly a god sent to guide the other carp, who were once ancient people… read analysis of The Golden Carp

The Atomic Bomb

The atomic bomb is discussed only briefly, but it resonates with the punishing apocalypses of the different religions – the Catholic Hell and the golden carp's destructive flood. That humans could create such a… read analysis of The Atomic Bomb

The Virgin of Guadalupe

The Virgin of Guadalupe is a Christian figure, but one with a special meaning for the Mexican and Chicano people. The legend goes that Mary revealed herself to a man in ancient Mexico and asked… read analysis of The Virgin of Guadalupe