Bless Me, Ultima (Ch 1-15 Review)

Setting

100

The story takes place in this state

New Mexico

200

Antonio's father wants to move here with his sons.

California

300

Double Jeopardy

For Antonio's mother, Maria, this place represents her family and the hope she has for Antonio's future.

400

The location that Antonio personifies in a fearful way after witnessing the death of Lupito.

The river in the Ilano

500

This location is symbolic for breaking Antonio's innocence after he sees Andrew there.

Rosie's place

Conflict

100

Antonio struggles with his religion after seeing the Golden Carp. This is an example of this type of conflict.

Internal Conflict

200

What is "war sickness?"

PTSD, internal conflict

300

Luna vs Marez is this type of conflict

Person versus Person

400

The portion of the story in italics that emphasizes Antonio's internal conflicts and fears.

His dreams

500

Some of the townspeople believe that Ultima is a witch and Tenorio uses this conflict to try and turn people against her.

Person versus Society

Characters

100

He is "almost seven" the summer Ultima arrives.

Antonio

200

The two characters that cause most of Antonio's internal conflict as he thinks about his future.

Maria and Gabriel

300

A malicious man whose daughters cursed Antonio's uncle, Lucas.

Tenorio Trementina

400

Antonio's friend that shows him the golden carp.

Cico

500

Gabriel's friend who also shares a deep love of the Ilano.

Narciso

Magical Realism

100

The main fantastical element in the novel

Ultima / Her abilities

200

The first act of magic that Ultima performs on Antonio

Healing his scrapes after he witnesses Lupito's death

300

Antonio sees this in Ultima's room after she heals Lucas..

Dolls of Tenorio's daughter

400

Double Jeopardy

What is the difference between a curandera and a bruja?

500

Antonio's young age may cause this typical aspect in magical realism as he tells the story how he remembers it.

Time distortion

Symbolism

100

Animal symbol for Ultima

An owl

200

Double Jeopardy

Water in the novel (river, holy water) represent this

300

A religious symbol of forgiveness in the novel.

The Virgin de Guadeloupe

400

This symbol forces Antonio to come face-to-face with contradictions between his religious and spiritual beliefs.

The golden carp

500

The "magic of the letters," or Antonio learning to read, symbolizes this important opportunity that was not always afforded to his community.

Growth through education and learning