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Bless Me Ultima, a book by Rudolfo A. Anaya, is about a young boy named Antonio who comes of age through troubling ordeals throughout the book. He is aided in this journey by a curandera named Ultima, who teaches Tony many life lessons. Anaya uses animals to symbolize such as good and evil. Representing Ultima, he uses the owl, which serves as the good character, while the coyote represents evil, portrayed by Tenorio. The Golden Carp is a symbol of Tonys confused uncertainty toward religion and morality.
Anayas portrayal of these magical characteristics shapes Tonys ascent into manhood. The need for good is represented by the owl, which symbolizes Ultima. The symbolic value of the owl is seen early in the story when Tony calls it Ultimas owl (12). Tony is aware of the presence of the owl because he heard the owl cry its warning before the death of Lupito (14). This foreshadowing of events occurs throughout the book, and shows the magical powers Tony believed to belong to the owl and Ultima. Because of these powers Tonys life is very confusing and unstable.
The owl also proves to be a savior to Antonios family when it pounced on the coyotes, while Ultima and Tony are helping Uncle Lucas (92). Tony realizes that in order to be successful, he must heed the warnings that come to him through nature, and his dreams. He learns that he must put himself in vulnerable positions, like the owl who risks its life, to help others. Evil, on the other hand, is symbolized by coyotes and the character of Tenorio. Before Tenorio is involved in the story, there is no mention of the wickedness of the coyotes, but once he shows up, theyre constantly on the side of evil.
Tony refers to Tenorios friends as a ring of coyotes around him (83). A different and unique perspective makes Tony stand out from the other characters in the story. Once an idea is planted into his mind, it remains there in his subconscious and dreams. Later in the story he even calls the coyotes Tenorios ” He ran to find refuge behind two of his coyotes(124). In times of death Tony also mentions the circling of hawks (104, 231). Even if this is just coincidence, Tony finds it important that scavengers be associated to the evil deeds.
Anayas portrayal of these magical characteristics shapes Tonys ascent into manhood. The need for good is represented by the owl, which symbolizes Ultima. The symbolic value of the owl is seen early in the story when Tony calls it Ultimas owl (12). Tony is aware of the presence of the owl because he heard the owl cry its warning before the death of Lupito (14). This foreshadowing of events occurs throughout the book, and shows the magical powers Tony believed to belong to the owl and Ultima. Because of these powers Tonys life is very confusing and unstable.
The owl also proves to be a savior to Antonios family when it pounced on the coyotes, while Ultima and Tony are helping Uncle Lucas (92). Tony realizes that in order to be successful, he must heed the warnings that come to him through nature, and his dreams. He learns that he must put himself in vulnerable positions, like the owl who risks its life, to help others. Evil, on the other hand, is symbolized by coyotes and the character of Tenorio. Before Tenorio is involved in the story, there is no mention of the wickedness of the coyotes, but once he shows up, theyre constantly on the side of evil.
Tony refers to Tenorios friends as a ring of coyotes around him (83). A different and unique perspective makes Tony stand out from the other characters in the story. Once an idea is planted into his mind, it remains there in his subconscious and dreams. Later in the story he even calls the coyotes Tenorios ” He ran to find refuge behind two of his coyotes(124). In times of death Tony also mentions the circling of hawks (104, 231). Even if this is just coincidence, Tony finds it important that scavengers be associated to the evil deeds.