A Reaction paper on a book named Bless Me Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya. for Ethnic studies class - Essay Example

‘Bless me Ultima’ by Rudolfo Anaya is a brilliant portrayal of racial differences and religious bigotry that is deeply rooted into the cultural paradigms. The author shows how the protagonist, six year old Antonio, is torn between two opposite ideologies followed by his parents. Despite being surrounded by loving family and friends, Antonio is highly confused because the religious beliefs that are projected through the priest and her mother are belied by the actions of other characters. Ultima, who is a spiritual healer, becomes the major guiding force for Antonio because she represents a more tolerant agent of religion.

The novel is deeply engrossing and has sensitively explored the uncertainties and confusion of the young generation. I believe that the book reflects the general dilemma of youth who is caught between the good and the bad things of life. The religion and varying socio-cultural value system have increasingly become contentious because they fail to provide the contemporary society with strong uniform code of living. The clash of values and intolerance amongst the people at large needs to be tempered with forbearance and fortitude.

People should become more like Ultima who interprets the spirituality and religion in terms of human values and resilience. The author has subtly introduced diversity of issues which are not only relevant but they are also vital ingredients of human life and must be nurtured for creating a better world for children. Indeed, by using magical realism, he has been able to emphasize and explain the social dilemma that people face against a covert or an overt act of untold violence and apathy. Reference Anaya, Rudolfo.

Bless Me, Ultima. Grand Central Publishing. 1994.