In the following paper I want to examine the traits of Native and Roman Catholic religion described in Rudolfo Anaya`s novel Bless me, Ultima1, which was first published by TQS Publications, Berkeley, California in 1972. It shall be revealed how the different characters in the novel deal with the Mexican pagan past and the Roman Catholic influences which affect and determine their lives. I chose to examine the most important persons separately, to stress the individuality of searching a way through the number of beliefs which are offered to each of us during our lives. Nevertheless the complexity of personal relations and their mutual influences are regarded as well; although a comprehensive analysis would also have been possible without splitting the story. According to the fact that every person is dealt with individually, the conclusion shall provide the reader with an overall picture of the relationships between the main characters in the novel. Native religion touches the region of curanderismo and witchcraft, which certainly is an interesting chapter, but has to be dealt with only as far as it is necessary. On the other hand there is Roman Catholic religion, which the Spanish under Hernan Cortés brought to America. One chapter is dedicated to The Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of the Chicanos- the descendants of Indians and Spaniards. Bless me, Ultima as a work of the Mexican American author Rudolfo Anaya represents the religious opposites Mexican Americans have to deal with and it shall therefore serve as a source of examples to show the complexity of Chicano beliefs.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Information about Rudolfo A. Anaya
- The situation in the beginning: Antonio and his family
- Analysis of Native and Roman Catholic religion in Anaya's Bless me, Ultima
- Antonio's parents
- Explanation to Chicano Catholicism: The Virgin of Guadal.
- Ultima
- Explanation to Native religion: Witchcraft and Curanderismo
- Antonio
- The townsfolk
- Antonio's parents
- Conclusion
- Ultima
- Antonio's solution
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The main objective of this paper is to analyze the portrayal of Native and Roman Catholic religion in Rudolfo Anaya's novel, Bless me, Ultima, examining how different characters navigate these conflicting influences and beliefs. The paper aims to reveal the individual search for meaning amidst competing religious systems.
- The interplay between Native and Roman Catholic beliefs in the lives of the characters.
- The exploration of Chicano Catholicism, including the role of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
- The influence of Native practices, such as curanderismo and witchcraft.
- The contrasting perspectives of Antonio's parents on religion and their impact on his development.
- The role of Ultima as a spiritual guide and her integration of both Native and Catholic elements.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction establishes the context for analyzing Native and Roman Catholic religion in Anaya's novel, outlining the paper's focus on the individual search for meaning within these diverse beliefs. It highlights the complexity of personal relations and the significance of analyzing individual characters.
Chapter 2 provides biographical information about Rudolfo A. Anaya, highlighting his upbringing in a Spanish-speaking society and his connection to the setting of the novel, New Mexico. This chapter also emphasizes the author's personal experience with the clash of cultures and beliefs, mirroring the central themes explored in Bless me, Ultima.
Chapter 3 introduces Antonio Márez, the protagonist of the novel, and his family. The story is set during World War II, with Antonio's older brothers serving in the war. The arrival of Ultima, a curandera and midwife, is a crucial event that sets the stage for the exploration of religious influences on the characters.
Chapter 4 begins the in-depth analysis of Native and Roman Catholic religion in the novel. It examines the contrasting beliefs and personalities of Antonio's parents, with his mother representing strong Catholicism and his father embodying a more free-spirited approach that clashes with traditional religious views. The chapter also explores the concept of Chicano Catholicism and the significant role of the Virgin of Guadalupe in the lives of the characters.
Chapter 4.2 focuses on Ultima, a pivotal character in the novel. It examines the presence of Native religion, specifically curanderismo and witchcraft, in Ultima's practices. This chapter delves into the complex relationship between these spiritual practices and the Catholic faith.
Chapter 4.3 focuses on the protagonist, Antonio, and his individual journey in navigating the complexities of Native and Roman Catholic religion. It explores how he internalizes and reconciles the diverse influences he encounters.
Chapter 4.4 delves into the perspectives of the townsfolk, highlighting the diverse beliefs and interactions within the community, demonstrating the pervasive influence of both Native and Roman Catholic traditions.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper focuses on the exploration of Chicano literature, specifically examining the intersection of Native and Roman Catholic beliefs in Rudolfo Anaya's Bless me, Ultima. Key themes include the clash of cultures, religious syncretism, the importance of individual spiritual journeys, and the significance of tradition and identity in the lives of Mexican Americans. The text explores the concepts of curanderismo and witchcraft, the role of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Chicano Catholicism, and the impact of these beliefs on the protagonist, Antonio.
- Quote paper
- Claudia Haase (Author), 1999, Native and Roman Catholic religion in Anaya´s Bless me, Ultima, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/36905
