Physical Locations:
* Las Lunas, New Mexico: This small, rural town is the primary setting, serving as a microcosm of the clash between traditional Hispanic culture and the forces of modernity. It's a place of stark beauty, with the vast New Mexico landscape playing a significant role in the story.
* The Marez family farm: This is Ultima's home and Tony's refuge, a symbol of the traditional way of life that is threatened by the changing world.
* The surrounding countryside: The novel evokes the beauty of the New Mexican desert, from the dusty plains to the towering mesas, highlighting the connection between the land and the characters.
* The town of Guadalupe: This symbolizes the more modern, Americanized world, where Tony's brother, Caje, seeks success and opportunities.
Thematic Elements:
* The tension between tradition and modernity: This is a central theme, reflected in the contrasting worlds of Las Lunas and Guadalupe, and in the characters' choices.
* The power of faith and spirituality: The story explores various religious and spiritual beliefs, from Catholicism to traditional Mexican folk magic, highlighting the complex spiritual landscape of Tony's world.
* The importance of family and community: Family and community are central to the lives of the characters, providing both support and conflict in Tony's journey.
* The coming-of-age journey: The novel follows Tony's transition from childhood to adolescence, exploring his search for identity and purpose in a changing world.
In essence, the setting of "Bless Me, Ultima" is a tapestry woven from physical landscapes, cultural values, and existential themes. It is a place where tradition and modernity collide, faith and doubt intertwine, and the forces of change shape the destiny of a young boy.