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Metaphors
Definition of Mood
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect of a piece of writing... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes... read full definition
Mood
Explanation and Analysis:
The mood of Bless Me, Ultima is regularly mystical and dreamlike, which is characteristic of the magical realism genre. Although much of the novel feels very realistic, it’s fundamentally shaped by the magic and spirituality that underpin Antonio’s experiences. Everyday events carry a sense of the supernatural when Ultima is staying with the Márez family, as Antonio encounters forces that blur the line between reality and dreams. Indeed, Antonio’s dreams play a significant role in creating this atmosphere of mysticism. His dreams—narrated in great detail—give the reader a sense of wonder as they connect small elements of his journey to adulthood to the larger mysteries of the universe. For the child Antonio, the extraordinary exists alongside the ordinary after Ultima arrives.
However, there is also a melancholy undertone throughout the book. Bless Me, Ultima is as much a novel about cultural tensions as it is about a young man’s journey to adulthood. Antonio’s community has to confront the painful collision of Indigenous and Catholic traditions and to deal with the malice and violence of men like Tenorio Trementina . The comfort and beauty of both the Catholic rituals and Ultima’s ceremonies feel stable and ancient. However, they contrast with the overarching anxiety that Antonio and his family feel, which comes from the Second World War’s effects on the U.S. and the broader world. The challenges and deprivations of navigating post-war societal changes in New Mexico add yet another layer of unease and nostalgia to the mood. The reader feels this discomfort alongside Antonio as he struggles to reconcile his understanding of the llano and the past with reality. By the end of the novel, the reader feels shocked and saddened by Ultima's death, but also hopeful that Antonio will find a way to reconcile his Catholicism and his spirituality into a "new religion" that embraces both.
Related Themes:
