Bless Me, Ultima
By Rudolfo Anaya
Notes
You will need to take notes on the NOTES
page in your Study Packet from the
PowerPoint Presentation.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
RUDOLFO ANAYA
Born October 30, 1937-Pastura, New Mexico
Taught public school Albuquerque-7 years
Became director of counseling at the University
of Mexico-wrote his first, best-known novel-Bless
Me, Ultima.
RUDOLFO ANAYA
Has taught English and Writing at Yale,
University of Michigan, and UCLA
Called the “father of Chicano literature” and
“poet of the *barrio”
*(in Spain and countries colonized by Spain) one of the divisions
into which a town or city, together with the contiguous rural
territory, is divided.
*a part of a large U.S. city, esp. a crowded inner-city area,
inhabited chiefly by a Spanish speaking population.
RUDOLFO ANAYA
He has written novels, one-act plays, short
stories, an epic poem and a children’s story.
Most of his stories center on the lives of
Hispanics in the American southwest
Themes focus on growing up and loss of faith.
RUDOLFO ANAYA
Intrigued by the oral tradition of Spanish
folktales.
He uses the literary approach called “mystical
realism”-integration or combination of the
mythical and the realistic; placement of
naturalistic and supernatural details side by side
in a story.
LITERARY GENRES
FOLKTALEa narrative form, like an epic, legend, myth, fable, etc.,
that is or had been retold within a culture for
generations and is well known through repeated
storytelling.
a simple, timeless story that deals with the customs,
traditions, and beliefs of ordinary people.
PLOT SUMMARY
Set in New Mexico during World War II, this is
the story of Antonio Marez’s coming of age.
When Antonio is six, Ultima, an old woman who
cures with herbs, comes to live with the family.
There are those like the murderous Tenorio who
consider this old woman and her magic to be
evil, but it is Ultima’s love that helps young Tony
face his confusion about God, his family, and his
future.
Mexico’s Catholics
8.5 million Roman Catholics make up 90% of the
country’s population. Of these 85 million Catholics,
about 78% have an image of the the Virgin of
Guadalupe in their homes, denoting the high esteem
they have for the dark-skinned Virgin.
It is said she appeared to Indian peasant Juan Diego
almost 500 years ago as the humble woodcutter was
walking on a hillside near Mexico City. She told him she
wanted a church built there to honor her, but when
Diego told the bishop, he was not believed.
continued
The Virgin appeared to Juan again and told him to gather roses
in his cloak and take them to the bishop. When Diego opened
his cloak to give them to the bishop, the cloak had been
imprinted with a picture of the Virgin. The bishop recognized the
miracle and ordered the first basilica to be built.
Today the cloak can be seen in an elaborately secured, climate
controlled display case with 4 moving sidewalks that circulate
people by. Millions of the faithful visit the shrine in Mexico City
each year to seek favors from the “mother of all Mexicans.”
Many crawl the final 100 yards on their knees. The church’s
recognition of the brown-skinned Virgin was important in getting
Mexican Indians to convert to Christianity.
LITERARY GENRE
BILDUNGSROMANS
– A novel that deals with the development of a
young person from adolescence to maturity;
– More often called a “coming-of-age” story.
Cultural Heritage of Mexico
What do you think you know about Mexican culture?
(View video of Mexican culture from United Streaming.)
http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetI
d=7e2141e0-8f14-4bdf-97a44afd12973190&productcode=US&CFID=1127048&CF
TOKEN=2ee68b5e6185d42d-0CDA353A-17A4A9FE-3AB91A6D058370D3
Pre-reading Discussion Questions
HOMEWORK: due tomorrow
Answer the questions- pg. 2-4. Pre-reading and
Discussion: About Superstition, Dreams, Our
Melting Pot, About Elderly Relatives, and About
Culture Shock – write some thoughts about the
ideas so you can participate in Group Discussion
Presentations
DISCUSSION GROUPS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Superstition- pink
Dreams- green
Culture Shock- blue
Our Melting Pot- orange
Elderly Relatives- yellow
SUPERSTITION
1. What is superstition?
2. What are some common examples?
3. How and why do superstitions arise?
4. Do you believe in any superstitions?
5. Are superstitions part of organized religion
(Catholicism, Judaism, etc.)? Explain.
DREAMS
1. What are the definitions for "dream"?
2. Do you believe in the power of dreams? Explain
for each definition.
3. Do you remember the dreams you had when
you wakeup? Why do you think you dreamt what
you did?
4. Can "dreams" be a sign? Explain.
CULTURE SHOCK
1. What is culture shock?
2. Have you ever experienced or witnessed being
"torn between two cultures'?
3. Are any young people in your community
confronted by two cultures-the "American"
culture at school, and another one at home?
4. What conflicts does this create?
OUR MELTING POT
1. Do you think that the U.S. is more of a "melting pot" or a
"salad" with respect to its varied ethnic groups? Explain.
2. How are bilingual students treated at this school?
3. Should they be taught in their own language as well as
English?
4. Is there a respect for other cultures or is there more
often prejudice (our school, our community)? Explain.
ELDERLY RELATIVES
1. With which of your elderly relatives do you have the
closest relationship? Explain.
2. What have you learned from that person?
3. What sorts of times/experiences do you share?
4. Do you have any elderly relatives living with you? If so,
what is that like? If not, do you think your family would
invite an elderly relative to live with you if the need
arose? How would this change the family dynamics?
FOLKTALES
1. Can you name any folktales you have read or
heard?
2. What elements do many folktales have in
common?
3. What is the language like?
4. What sorts of dreams do you find in folktales?
5. What sorts of magic do you find in folktales?
Homework
Define Vocabulary #1-20 for Chapters 1-3
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
The author uses numerous types of figurative language
throughout the novel.
Keep your eyes and mind alert for
– Personification-attributing or giving a “personal” nature or character to
inanimate objects or abstract notions
– Hyperbole-obvious and intentional exaggeration
– Simile- a figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared, as
in “she is like a rose”
– Metaphor-something used, or regarded as being used, to represent something
else; emblem; symbol, as in “A mighty fortress is our God.”
Group discussion
In your groups, go over the 17 Questions and
answers for Chapters 1-3.
Any questions needing clarification? Discuss as
whole class.
Read Chaps. 4-5 and answer those questions
you can on pg. 18.
Make sure you are describing the characters as
you meet them (page 9 of the packet).
Complete Vocab. 4-8 for tomorrow.
Quick Write- 1- Chap1-3
The style of writing was described as “mystical
realism.” Identify an example that you think
illustrates this in Chapters 1-5 (Page #) and tell
how it represents this term.
It is said that Lupito had “the war-sickness”.
What do you think the people meant by this?
Why would he specifically shoot the sheriff?
*Keep w/ packet
LITERARY TECHNIQUES
The author makes use of a number of literary
techniques in his writing.
Be on the look out for his use of
–
–
–
–
Contrast- to compare in order to show unlikeness or
differences; note the opposite natures, purposes
Allusion- indirect reference
Suspense- a state or condition of mental uncertainty or
excitement, as in awaiting a decision or outcome,
usually accompanied by a degree of apprehension or
anxiety
Foreshadowing-the organization and presentation of
events and scenes in a work of fiction or drama so that
the reader or observer is prepared to some degree for
what occurs later in the work
THEMES so far
“People seem to want to hurt each other when
they are in a group” was mentioned as a theme
in the book. Do you find support for this idea in
the first three chapters? Explain. (Page #s)
“Growing up is painful” is another idea presented
in this book. Explain how we see this already
being addressed. (page #s)
LITERARY TECHNIQUES
Chapter 2 is full of similes. Find and directly
quote two of them. Explain why each simile is
effective.
What does the owl seem to symbolize? How is
this different than the version of owls presented
in the cuentos (old stories)?
LITERARY TECHNIQUES
CONTRAST: striking difference between two
things.
An author may use contrasting images or ideas
to clarify a situation or to emphasize an idea.
CONTRAST
What is the contrast between Rosie’s and the
church? (page 34)
Why do you suppose Anaya juxtaposes (puts
them next to one another) these descriptions?
What is he saying about “good” and “evil”?
What is the contrast between the way he
describes Florence (36) and the other boys?
Why do you suppose he includes that contrast?
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
What are some aspects of the Hispanic
culture that you have picked up on in these
early chapters? Name and explain two
aspects of their culture that have been
presented.
Quick Write 2- Chap 4-8
A. According to Ultima, how are the Lunas and
Marez families different? Be specific in your
answer.
B. How is Tony feeling as he heads off to school?
Details please!
*Keep w/ packet
CHAPTERS 4-8
PERSONIFICATION: places, things, animals or
ideas are endowed with human qualities.
Page 41 “The river was silent and brooding.”
What is Tony saying about the way he perceives
the river? What feeling does this figure of speech
create?
Quick Write 3 -Mystical Realism
What event in chapter 10 utilizes this Literary
Technique? (using the realistic along with the
seemingly mystical ideas and beliefs of various
faiths)
Be detailed in your explanation.
HISPANIC FOLK MEDICINE
http://www.elena-curandera.com/ElenaLaCurandera.htm
CHAPTERS 9-10
ALLUSION: a figure of speech that makes a
brief reference to a historical or literary figure,
event or object.
To what is Tony’s uncle alluding when he says
that the Trementina sisters screamed ‘like furies’
when he caught them performing their devilish
mass?
Furies-
from Discovery Education/United Streaming
In Greek mythology, the three avenging deities Tisiphone (the
avenger of murder), Megaera (the jealous one), and Alecto
(unceasing in anger). In most accounts the Furies are the
daughters of Gaea and Uranus; sometimes they are called the
daughters of Night. They lived in the world below, from which
they ascended to earth to pursue the wicked. These goddesses
were hideous to behold; they had writhing snakes for hair, and
blood dripped from their eyes. They tormented wrongdoers,
pursuing them relentlessly and driving them mad. They were just
but merciless and without regard for mitigating circumstances.
They punished all offenses against human society such as
perjury, violation of the rites of hospitality, and, above all, the
murder of blood relatives.
CHAPTERS 11-12-Quick Write 4
FORESHADOWING: a hint or suggestion of
something that will happen later in the story.
1. What do you think is foreshadowed by the
statement “there were gay times….before the
awful storm that broke our house” (124). 2. How
does the context in which this line appears (the
paragraph/paragraphs around it) suggest a
foreshadowing of some sort? *Keep with Packet
CHAPTER 13-14
HYPERBOLE: exaggeration not intended to be
taken literally. Example: I had to wait for an
eternity in line at the grocery store!
Hyperbole fun!
HYPERBOLE-QW #5
Write these “starters” down and complete the sentences!
EX: 1. My sister uses so much makeup, she has to use a
trowel and sandpaper to remove it each night before bed.
2. My teacher is so old...
3. My dog is so dumb...
4. My parents are so old-fashioned…
5. His parents are so strict…
6. That car is so beat up…
7. The test was so hard…
8. Winter was so long…
9. It was so hot…
10. I have so many clothes…
11. My cat is so fat…
12. Find one in the book and copy it here with page number.
*Keep with packet
Group Discussion
Discuss Chapters 13-15 Questions 1-14
Complete the Hyperbole activity and attach to
packet.
When finished read Chapter 16-18 starting on
pg. 177
Vocab. Chp. 19-22 due tomorrow
Simile Work- QW #6
A Simile is a figure of speech in which a similarity
between two essentially unlike objects is directly
expressed, using words “like” or “as.”
You’re to Create your own similes for the following:
1. I will never forget those wild eyes
2. The boy jumped
3. The volley of shots sounded
4. When Ultima’s owl took his eye, Tenorio
screamed
5. Narciso and Tenorio fought
CHAPTERS 15-18
Discuss SIMILE- a similarity between two essentially
unlike objects is made using like or as.
On page 187 Tony “jumped like a wounded rabbit.” How
is Tony like a rabbit? Why is this an appropriate
comparison in this section?
Find 3 other similes used in the Chapters. Write them
on your Simile QW 6 page and put the page #s next to
them. Then, explain why the comparison is made and
how/why it is effective.
CHAPTERS 19-21
SUSPENSE: writing that produces tension in the
reader. The reader grows curious about what will
happen next.
Give examples of how suspense was developed
in chapter 20.
Trinity
http://nuclearweaponarchive.org/Usa/Tests/Trinit
y.html
New Mexico
The Jornada del Muerto (Spanish for "single day's journey of the
dead man” hence "route of the dead man“) in the New Mexico was
the name given by the Spanish conquistadors to a desert basin and
the particularly dry 100-mile (160 km) stretch of the route through it
leading northward from central New Spain (modern-day Mexico) to
the furthest reaches of the colony in northern Nuevo México. This
route became El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro. The Jornada del
Muerto runs between the San Andres Mountains on the east, with the
Caballo Mountains and the Fra Cristóbal Range on the west. The
name Jornada del Muerto Volcano refers to a shield volcano and lava
field, about 10 by 15 miles (16 by 24 km) in size and reaching an
elevation of 5,136 ft (1,565 m), located at the northern end of the
desert basin. (Wikipedia- 10 Feb 2010)
CHAPTER 22-Quick Write 7
THEME: the most important idea in a story-the “message.” What
characters learn is often a clue to the theme.
The title of the book appears in a line from this chapter (260).
1. What is the significance of the title and how does it relate to
what Tony has learned about life? How would you state the
theme as a result of your analysis?
2. What are your thoughts/reactions about the ending?
3. What do you think Tony goes on to believe and why? (Justify
from information in the book).
CHAPTER 22
Epiphany: a sudden insight about the essential
nature of something-a person, a situation, an
object; a flash of recognition.
What epiphany does Tony have with respect to
the owl?
Do you recall an epiphany in your own life or in
another piece of literature you have read?
Metaphor Review
A figure of speech in which something is used,
or regarded as being used, to represent
something else; emblem; symbol, as in “A
mighty fortress is our God.”
Create metaphors using the following:
The path was …
Tenorio was …
The owl is …
The river …
The end of the school year …
PERSONIFICATION Review
You and a partner are to find 3 examples of
personification used in the book. Then,
Writing activity: use each of the following and
write a sentence using personification:
The river was.. The sky….
The woods..
The wind…
The flower…
The mirror..
The soccer ball.. The locker… The computer…
Literary Terms
Bildungsroman-A novel that deals with the development of a
young person from adolescence to maturity; more often called
a “coming-of-age” story.
Metaphor- A figure of speech in which something is used, or
regarded as being used, to represent something else; emblem;
symbol, as in “A mighty fortress is our God.”
Mystical realism-integration or combination of the mythical and
the realistic; placement of naturalistic and supernatural details
side by side in a story.
Foreshadowing- a hint or suggestion of something that will
happen later in the story
Personification- places, things, animals or ideas are endowed
with human qualities
Simile- a similarity between two essentially unlike objects is
made using like or as.
Imagery-set of mental pictures or images. The use of vivid or
figurative language to represent objects, actions, or ideas.
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
TECHNIQUES REVIEW
You and your partner are to find a MINIMUM of TWO
quotes from the novel illustrating each of the following
items. Avoid the examples already presented in class.
Be a detective! Find new evidence!
Magical/Magical Realism
Imagery
Simile
Personification
Hyperbole
Suspense
Metaphor
Foreshadowing
Allusion