1. How does the novel fit the description of “magic-realism”? Magic-realism is defined as fiction that maintains a realistic narrative while recounting fantastic or supernatural events along with everyday life and commonplace events. The novel Bless Me, Ultima expresses this through the acceptance of some ideas that would normally be considered unrealistic. For example, the characters view witchcraft and sorcery in actuality and never seem to question it. Early gods, as well as spirit animals and mythological creatures were also widely accepted by the characters throughout.
2. What archetypes can you identify in Bless Me, Ultima? How do they reflect the ethnic and cultural heritage of the characters in the novel? How do they relate to the themes of the novel?
Ultima: Mother nature
Tenorio: Devil/Devil’s figure
3. How are owls symbolic? What role does Ultima’s owls play in the story? In Bless Me, Ultima, owls symbolize the soul and spirit of Ultima herself. Her owl primarily watches over everyone …show more content…
What is the significance of the Golden Carp story to Tony? To Cico and the others who know it? To Tony, the Golden Carp story just confuses him more. This god sounds as powerful as the Christian god. This as well as the discovery of Ultima’s powers urges Tony to begin thinking and looking at the world with a broader perspective. There is much more out there than just what Tony’s mother and the church teach him. While Tony is adamant about practicing Catholicism, hearing about these other gods makes him question the truth. This story and seeing the actual Golden Carp is just another source for Tony’s doubt about Christianity.
To Cico and the others who do know about this story, it is a reminder to them of what the gods can do and how much power they have. However, the appearance of the actual golden carp is a somewhat hopeful symbol. All those who believe can see it, so they witness the arrival and feel the presence of a merciful god who wants to protect
2. What archetypes can you identify in Bless Me, Ultima? How do they reflect the ethnic and cultural heritage of the characters in the novel? How do they relate to the themes of the novel?
Ultima: Mother nature
Tenorio: Devil/Devil’s figure
3. How are owls symbolic? What role does Ultima’s owls play in the story? In Bless Me, Ultima, owls symbolize the soul and spirit of Ultima herself. Her owl primarily watches over everyone …show more content…
What is the significance of the Golden Carp story to Tony? To Cico and the others who know it? To Tony, the Golden Carp story just confuses him more. This god sounds as powerful as the Christian god. This as well as the discovery of Ultima’s powers urges Tony to begin thinking and looking at the world with a broader perspective. There is much more out there than just what Tony’s mother and the church teach him. While Tony is adamant about practicing Catholicism, hearing about these other gods makes him question the truth. This story and seeing the actual Golden Carp is just another source for Tony’s doubt about Christianity.
To Cico and the others who do know about this story, it is a reminder to them of what the gods can do and how much power they have. However, the appearance of the actual golden carp is a somewhat hopeful symbol. All those who believe can see it, so they witness the arrival and feel the presence of a merciful god who wants to protect