Where is the setting of Bless Me, Ultima?

New Mexico
It is to the wrinkled Ultima that Antonio turns to for advice as he tries to understand himself and the conflicts and contradictions around him. The setting for the novel is the Pecos Valley in New Mexico.

Where does Bendiceme Ultima take place?

New Mexico
Bless Me, Ultima takes place in rural New Mexico, a place of colliding cultures and powerful landscapes, during the late forties, which was a time of colliding cultures, too.

What town is Antonio in Bless Me, Ultima?

Guadalupe, New Mexico
When Antonio Márez is almost seven years old, the old healer Ultima comes to stay with him and his family in their small house in Guadalupe, New Mexico. The family has taken in Ultima out of a respect for her healing powers, her knowledge of plant lore, and her long use of folk magic in service of the community.

Where is the Llano in Bless Me, Ultima?

New Mexico
His father, Gabriel, says that Ultima is old, and though she has served the people as a healer her entire life, she has now been reduced to living alone out on the llano, the great New Mexico grassland near Antonio’s home.

Was Bless Me, Ultima banned?

Despite the popularity of “Bless Me, Ultima” on college campuses throughout the years, the novel was banned in some Arizona schools after a campaign by some conservatives who said the book promoted the overthrow of the federal government.

Where did Rudolfo Anaya live?

Anaya lives in New Mexico, the same state where he was born, and has said he has no desire to leave.

What is Chapter 4 of Bless Me Ultima about?

As the summer comes to an end, Antonio spends his mornings walking with Ultima, gathering herbs and medicines from the llano. During this happy time, Antonio grows to love both the llano and the river. Ultima teaches him that plants have spirits like people and tells him stories about the old days.

What piece of advice does Ultima share with Antonio in once Chapter 11?

That night Antonio dreams about the conflicting beliefs he has encountered, as well as the conflict between his parents’ wishes for him. Ultima tells Antonio and his parents that the water of the moon and the sea are the same water and that each family member is part of the same cycle.

How old is Antonio in Bless Me Ultima?

six years old
The precocious protagonist of Bless Me, Ultima, Antonio is six years old at the beginning of the novel. Antonio is serious, thoughtful, and prone to moral questioning, and his experiences force him to confront difficult issues that blur the lines between right and wrong.

Why does Antonio stay in El Puerto?

Next morning, Antonio and his mother and sisters travel to El Puerto to help their Luna relatives with the harvest.

What happened in Chapter 8 in Bless Me Ultima?

The brothers razz Antonio and tell him that he can be the priest that their mother wants him to be (while they go off and have all the fun). After Antonio blesses them like he’s a priest, the brothers go after him, spanking him and throwing him on top of the chicken coop.

What do Antonio and Ultima feel as they prepare to head home in Chapter Cuatro?

Ultima and Antonio gather herbs in the llano together every morning, and Ultima teaches him about the spirits of plants and tells stories of the ancient people. She is happy and at home in the llano.

Why did Ultima accept her death?

The owl was given to her by an old man to be her spiritual bond to the harmony of the universe. She was to do good by healing the sick and showing people the path to goodness. Harmony will return with the deaths of Tenorio and herself. She accepts death because she accepted working for life.

Why does Ultima keep the three dolls?

The dolls are a reminder of Ultima’s dangerous and sometimes frightening powers, though a moment later she gives up something of herself to protect Antonio. A scapular is usually associated with a religious order, so this is like Ultima giving Antonio her own protective icon.

What happens to Antonio in Bless Me Ultima?

In this story, Antonio is torn between three destinies. His mother wants him to become a priest while his father wants him to explore and be free; then along comes Ultima. … Up to the point where Ultima visits, Antonio has it in his mind that it is his destiny to become a priest.

Who killed the owl in Bless Me Ultima?

Tenorio
He wants to hustle back to his grandpa’s, but his way is blocked by Tenorio, so he takes off running the ten miles back to his house. Antonio arrives just as Uncle Pedro pulls up, but they are too late. Tenorio’s already there, wreaking havoc. Tenorio kills the owl, and claims victory.

Is Ultima good or evil?

Ultima can be seen as the scapegoat of a cosmic struggle between good and evil. Ultima is described in detail by Anaya. She is very old and wrinkled.

Who shoots and kills Tenorio?

Before he can eliminate Antonio, Pedro shoots Tenorio deceased. Antonio takes the dying owl to Ultima’s bedside.

What is Ultimas religion?

Ultima uses her unique position of influence with benevolence, preferring to teach Antonio to think for himself rather than indoctrinating him with her own sense of morality. Like Antonio, Ultima is grounded in both the indigenous and Catholic traditions.

What did Antonio discover about Narciso?

What did Antonio discover about Narciso? Narciso has a garden and drinks his problems away. Antonio described his mother’s definition of learning to sin.

What does the golden carp represent?

The golden carp represents a magical religious order not connected to Catholicism. The golden carp legend offers its own brand of wisdom, comfort, and moral guidance.