Symbolism In Bless Me Ultima

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Bless Me Ultima, is the tale following a young boy named antonio as grows up. His orb like eyes, once flecked with sunlight and soft kisses start to fade at the harsh, blinding glare of the ugliness in the world. Obviously, this coming of age story is filled with many conflicts. Antonio’s mother, Maria wants him to be a Luna priest, following his ancestors before him. Being raised as a farmer’s daughter with a religious upbringing, his mother thinks that her son must live the same way if he wants to be happy. His father, Gabriel wants Antonio to be a wild and free Marez, like he himself was raised. From his birth onwards both parents partake in a constant battle of who the boy should be. Gabriel wants to move california with Antonio and his …show more content…
He makes the precarious transition from sheltered child to coming out into the world with a more grown up view. Antonio leaves his mother for the first time and begins school, going to the next platform of his life. The absence of a maternal figure is a symbol that he is ready to start taking care of himself, and not always having to depend on others to do things for him. With this new found self care, he can also begin to have his own thoughts, and not simply be told what to do. An , picking the pen and paper Ultima laid out, choosing it instead of all the other objects of life when he was a baby. Ultima is also the one who gives the vague prediction that he will “be a man of learning”. It seems to be true, for Antonio is successful student, working hard to learn English and catch up. A boy with many thoughts also has many questions. He begins to think differently from his parents, about religion as talked about above. While his mother is a devout Catholic, Antonio looks for other religions. Growing up also includes loss of innocence, and there is no query Antonio has lost quite a lot of that. Besides witnessing death, he also finds out his brother Leon has been frequenting the whore house, Rosie’s, in his town. Antonio is no longer blind to the corruptions of the world and the people around him. This new, developing freedom has its cons though. …show more content…
Every well developed character has weaknesses and triumphs. Antonio is anxious and sometimes too sensitive, though that also makes him extremely thoughtful and kind to anyone he meets. He has his fears, for example Tenorio, the evil father of the three brujas, killing Ultima. He almost did when he brought the group of angry villagers to Antonio’s house and accused Ultima of being a witch. We equally know what he favors too, such as the Virgin, because she is always forgiving, while God can become angry and vengeful, or his friend Jason who is always ready to play. Any well written character should have triumphs and flaws. Ultima, while an intriguing, majestic portrayal of a wise woman, isn't really well done.While she has many great aspects, always having wise words of wisdom, being able to listen and help all those in need, for example Antonio or his cursed uncle. Yet, sadly there are no flaws mentioned in the story. It makes it much more difficult to relate and become invested in a character if they are too perfect. There is not one thing Ultima seems to do wrong, even when being faced by hateful, insulting people such as Tenorio, she keeps a level head and polite mouth. Though, skimming through one might just see a simple story about a boy growing up in World War II era Mexico, it is so much more. Beautifully written, almost poetry, this story tackles so many relatable issues, from
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