Ready Reference Treatise: Bless Me, Ultima

“Bless Me, Ultima” by Rudolfo Anaya was first published in 1972. It is considered to be one of the most widely read and critically acclaimed novel in the Chicano literary canon.

The story of the novel revolves around the young protagonist, Antonio Marez y Luna. The protagonist describes the story of his coming of age with the guidance and help of his mentor and protector, Ultima.

The novel is frequently used as a tool to introduce the students of schools and colleges to multicultural society.

The story is set in the 1940s in rural New Mexico. It shows Chicano culture. The author very skillfully uses Spanish use of cultural motifs and recounting of folkways. By presenting the scenes of the gathering of medicinal herbs, etc. the author succeeds in acquainting the readers with indigenous cultural ways which happen to be quite distinct from the mainstream culture and society.