The Illusion of Power: An Analysis of Magical Realism and Religion in Bless Me, Ultima
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
SURC 135
Start Date
16-5-2013
End Date
16-5-2013
Abstract
This paper examines Rudolfo Anaya's novel Bless Me, Ultima, analyzing the use of Magical Realism in relation to religion, spiritualism, and the occult. It highlights and scrutinizes the supernatural feats and abilities of the brujas (witches), curanderas (healers), and worshipers of paganism. Each of these religious factions possess powers that have visible effects on the world and are witnessed first hand by the narrator, Antonio Marez. The power of these factions is then used in contrast to the seeming powerlessness of the Catholic Church. Antonio’s confrontation with the supernatural impotence of the Church forces him into the uncomfortable position of questioning the beliefs of his family and community. Finally, an analysis of the power machinations of the Church within the Chicano community provides further insight into Anaya's treatment of religion within his novel, illustrating how the Church maintains its power and influence despite its inability to provide overt supernatural displays or to oppose the powers of the other religious factions.
Recommended Citation
Thomas, James, "The Illusion of Power: An Analysis of Magical Realism and Religion in Bless Me, Ultima" (2013). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 130.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2013/oralpresentations/130
Additional Mentoring Department
English
The Illusion of Power: An Analysis of Magical Realism and Religion in Bless Me, Ultima
SURC 135
This paper examines Rudolfo Anaya's novel Bless Me, Ultima, analyzing the use of Magical Realism in relation to religion, spiritualism, and the occult. It highlights and scrutinizes the supernatural feats and abilities of the brujas (witches), curanderas (healers), and worshipers of paganism. Each of these religious factions possess powers that have visible effects on the world and are witnessed first hand by the narrator, Antonio Marez. The power of these factions is then used in contrast to the seeming powerlessness of the Catholic Church. Antonio’s confrontation with the supernatural impotence of the Church forces him into the uncomfortable position of questioning the beliefs of his family and community. Finally, an analysis of the power machinations of the Church within the Chicano community provides further insight into Anaya's treatment of religion within his novel, illustrating how the Church maintains its power and influence despite its inability to provide overt supernatural displays or to oppose the powers of the other religious factions.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Christopher Schedler