SYMBOLISM OF ANIMALS

SYMBOLISM OF ANIMALS
Bless Me Ultima, a book by Rudolfo A. Anaya, is about a young boy named Antonio
who comes of age through troubling ordeals throughout the book. He is aided in this journey by
a curandera named Ultima, who teaches Tony many life lessons. Anaya uses animals to symbolize
intangible attributes such as good and evil. Representing Ultima, he uses the owl, which serves as
the good character, while the coyote represents evil, portrayed by Tenorio. The Golden Carp is a
symbol of Tony’s uncertainty toward religion and morality. Anaya’s portrayal of these mystical
characteristics shapes Tony’s ascent into manhood.
The need for good is represented by the owl, which symbolizes Ultima. The symbolic
value of the owl is seen early in the story when Tony calls it “Ultima’s owl” (12). Tony is aware
of the presence of the owl because he “heard the owl cry its warning” before the death of Lupito
(14). This foreshadowing of events occurs throughout the book, and shows the magical powers
Tony believed to belong to the owl / Ultima. Because of these powers Tony’s life is very
confusing and unstable. The owl also proves to be a savior to Antonio’s family when it “pounced
on the coyotes” while Ultima and Tony are helping Uncle Lucas (92). Tony realizes that in order
to be successful, he must heed the warnings that come to him through nature, and his dreams. He
learns that he must put himself in vulnerable positions, like the owl who risks it’s life, to help
other...

SYMBOLISM OF ANIMALS

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