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Bless Me, Ultima


"(1). In this depiction, magical realism expresses itself through Antonio, who holds within him the nostalgia and yearning of modern times for the traditional world, that is coming to expression through the "magic" he felt when touching Ultima's hand. A very intense sensual and mystical event is happening in his present life, an event that links him with the folklore of his country, which hold within it the belief in the supernatural. .
             Further in the story we are exposed gradually to Ultima's evident magical powers through actions. In fact, this is one of Anaya's techniques to make us accept her powers as truth; the more Ultima happens to exercise her powers, the more we feel ourselves as part of the story's folkloric atmosphere. After Antonio witnessed the murder of Lupito, he ran home and then he realizes that Ultima's owl has been watching him all night long. The owl represents Ultima's spirit, as Anaya explains: "Again the owl sang; Ultima's spirit bathed me with its strong resolution"(23). Long before Antonio arrives home to tell Ultima about Lupito's death, Ultima is completely aware of the event, a fact that leaves young Antonio astonished. Thus, their special relationship becomes stronger, and Ultima functions as an immense source of inspiration, as well as, a significant influence on Antonio. .
             Furthermore, Antonio's dream about his birth emphasizes their exceptional bond, which is another literary means that corroborates the definition of "magical realism." In the course of the dream we identify two groups of people: his mother's brothers - the Lunas, and the people of his father - the vaqueros of the Ilano. Both of the groups, had a quarrel concerning the destiny of the newborn baby: the Lunas, are certain that he would become a farmer like them, or a priest; his father's people predict he would become one of them, a Marez, wondering man of the Ilano. .
             While the two sides are arguing, Ultima's single voice cuts in: "I pulled this baby into the light of life only I will know his destiny"(6).


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