Bless Me, Ultima

by Rudolfo Anaya

Bless Me, Ultima: Mood 1 key example

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.