• Bulk Order Discounts: Order 5 or more books (same title) and save 15%.
• Order Online: Order online with MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, or PayPal.
• Order By Mail: Send your order with a school/district check. No personal checks accepted.

About the Book   Bless Me, Ultima

In Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya, young Antonio Márez navigates the complexities of childhood and cultural identity in 1940s New Mexico under the guidance of Ultima, a wise curandera. As Antonio grapples with familial expectations and moral dilemmas, he witnesses the clash between his parents' differing worldviews: his mother's devout Catholicism and his father's desire for freedom on the open plains. Ultima's mentorship and mystical practices help Antonio confront life’s profound questions, blending indigenous spirituality with Catholic traditions.

Bless Me, Ultima is a seminal work in Chicano literature, offering rich narratives and universal themes that make it an excellent addition to any high school curriculum.

Themes in the book Bless Me, Ultima

Good vs. Evil: The novel explores the duality of good and evil, not as distinct entities but as intertwined forces. Through his experiences with Ultima and the golden carp, Tony learns that moral absolutes are rare.

Cultural Identity: The book delves into the cultural heritage of Chicano and indigenous traditions. Tony’s internal struggle between his parents’ expectations and the spiritual teachings of Ultima highlights the broader theme of cultural identity and assimilation.

Faith and Doubt: Tony’s journey is heavily marked by his religious doubts and the exploration of faith. The contrast between Catholicism and the indigenous beliefs represented by Ultima and the golden carp offers a nuanced view of spiritual exploration.

Coming of Age: At its core, Bless Me, Ultima is a bildungsroman, focusing on Tony’s maturation and his quest for understanding and identity. His experiences lead him to question the world around him and ultimately shape his beliefs and values.

Nature and the Supernatural: Ultima's deep connection to nature and her role as a curandera underscore the theme of the natural world and its mystical elements. The novel portrays nature as a source of wisdom, healing, and spiritual power.

Activity Ideas   for the book Bless Me Ultima

Character Journals: Have students maintain journals from the perspective of different characters. This activity can help students explore character motivations, conflicts, and growth throughout the novel.

Cultural Heritage Projects: Students can research and present on the Chicano culture and indigenous practices featured in the book. This can include topics such as curanderismo, the significance of the golden carp, and the historical context of the novel.

Debate: Faith vs. Doubt: Organize a classroom debate on the theme of faith versus doubt. Students can take positions based on characters’ perspectives and use evidence from the text to argue their points.

Creative Writing Assignment: Ask students to write a short story or poem inspired by the themes or characters of Bless Me, Ultima. This activity encourages creative expression and deeper engagement with the novel’s content.

Comparative Analysis: Have students compare Bless Me, Ultima with another coming-of-age novel or a book that explores similar themes. This can help broaden their understanding of literary themes and techniques.

Group Discussions: Facilitate small group discussions on key moments in the book. Provide guiding questions that focus on character development, thematic elements, and significant plot points.