Bless Me Ultima Research Paper

34, 28, 4, 65, 1, 79, 52; taking a chance on numbers such as these can change a person’s life forever. The winner of the insurmountable cash prize is not determined by how poverty stricken or destitute one may appear, but simply, luck of the draw. No one can predict the outcome of the lottery of life; however, as a species, humans need that faith in the possibility to keep us grounded and sane. In times of such desperation, certain extremities can be taken to attain stability. Dependence on seemingly unlikely orthodoxies gives us hope in times of loss or confusion. Whether it be numbered tickets, science, history, or religion, humans are made to have a purpose are designed to overcome the obstacles thrusted upon them and to seek a resolution
As Tony witnesses Ultima work near impossible miracles, he cannot seem to understand how any one person can surpass God’s power. While helping Ultima cure his sick Uncle, Tony is baffled by Ultima's healing abilities. He ponders how “the magic of Ultima [cwould] be stronger than all the powers of the saints and the Holy Mother Church?" (97). Tony feels a deeper and even spiritual connection to his uncle while Ultima is curing him. Although this is not addressed in the novel, this could be Ultima’s or even the spirits attempting to guide Tony in the directions of possibly becoming a curandera. In addition to Ultima, the sheer existence of the golden carp deters Tony from his originally chosen path. After hearing the story of the golden carp, he gets caught in the magic of such an ostensibly perfect immortal figure. Tony’s simple idea of “a god who [could]... [forgive]” (137) and guide him further exacerbates his inner conflict. It i’s very easy for a child as young as Tony to be tempted by the immaculate identities of such characters. Tony’s desperate cries for a role model with whom he wishes to emulate are now being directed at anybody willing to help him untangle his indoctrinated values from the mysterious and new beliefs he stumbles