Ultima’s owl moves into the area near Antonios house. Usually interpreted as a symbol of witchcraft and magic, Antonio views the owls song and presence to symbolize the blessed Virgin leading the souls of the babies trapped in limbo to heaven (he sees this in a dream). The owl personifies Ultimas mystical spirituality; the owls song represents the solace she provides to Antonio, simply by being a part of his life.
Because the owl is Ultima’s familiar, it is a symbol of magic and spirituality in the story, particularly Ultima’s. It represents Ultima’s protection of Tony, and the comfort and trust that he finds within her.
Ultima’s Owl Quotes in Bless Me, UltimaThe Bless Me, Ultima quotes below all refer to the symbol of Ultima’s Owl. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
The thundering report of the rifle followed the flash of fire. That shot destroyed the quiet, moonlit peace of the hill, and it shattered my childhood into a thousand fragments that long ago stopped falling and are now dusty relics gathered in distant memories.
The owl isnt just about lashing out, though. After all, Ultimas got many layers to her onion, and so must the owl. When it arrives along with Ultima, Antonio is frightened of it at first. However, he soon comes to think that “Its song seemed to say that it had come to watch over us” (1.454-455). Like Ultima, the owl is a protector, and in that sense, Antonios relationship with the owl parallels his relationship with his spiritual mentor.
Not so fast. Its a bit more complicated than that. The owl also serves to demonstrate Ultimas violent and vengeful side. While we always see Ultima as a healer and a wise woman, the owl rips out Tenorios eye. Thats some serious business right there. If the owl symbolizes Ultima, then in a very real way, shes the one ripping the eye out. Shes not all hearts and flowers and blessings and exorcisms, no sir.
The owl aint all about Ultima, though, to be sure. There are bigger things in play that one womans soul, like the deep connection between humans and nature. In his descriptions, Anaya makes that much clear. The owls song, for example, “calmed the moonlit hills and lulled us to sleep” (1.453-454). When nature calms down, man rests easy. And apparently the owl can make that happen.
Ultima’s owl moves into the area near Antonios house. Usually interpreted as a symbol of witchcraft and magic, Antonio views the owls song and presence to symbolize the blessed Virgin leading the souls of the babies trapped in limbo to heaven (he sees this in a dream). The owl personifies Ultimas mystical spirituality; the owls song represents the solace she provides to Antonio, simply by being a part of his life.
Because the owl is Ultima’s familiar, it is a symbol of magic and spirituality in the story, particularly Ultima’s. It represents Ultima’s protection of Tony, and the comfort and trust that he finds within her.
FAQ
When Antonio buries Ultima’s owl it is symbolic of?
What did Ultima’s owl do to Tenorio?
What connotations are attached to the owl?
What is the significance of the golden carp in Bless Me Ultima?
