Comparison Essay In the poem “Curandera” by Pat Mora and the book “Bless me, Ultima” by Rudolfo Anaya, the authors portray a curandera in different and similar ways. These two literary works are loaded with common characteristics and qualities the two curanderas possess, regardless of the authors’ different genders. Both curanderas are very knowledgeable, have a close connection with nature and are greatly respected by people from the town.
The novel “Bless me, Ultima” by Rudolfo Anaya depicts Ultima, a curandera, as an old, wise woman who knows the herbs and remedies of the ancients, a miracle-worker who could heal the sick. She is illustrated as a woman possessing magical powers and a close connection with nature. Ultima represents hope and life for other people. She is understanding, helpful and has served people all her life. She is also very experienced and knowledgeable. Most significantly, she is deeply spiritual and powerful.
The curandera in the poem “Curandera” by Pat Mora is described in a dark tone. She is an old, mysterious woman, who lives alone. She is depicted as a “black bird” who gathers herbs to use them as medicines. She has a close relationship with nature and cures people. She also seems to be really experienced, spiritual and miraculous.
Similarly, both curanderas have a close tie with nature and are immensely knowledgeable. Ultima and the curandera familiarize themselves with plants and herbs very well. They could clearly see the beauty and feel the power nature possesses. They seem to be part of it. The phrase “rubs cool morning sand into her hands, into her arms” conveys the idea of the curandera’s desire to coexist with nature and become part of it. Both curanderas are portrayed as women who not only belong to nature but communicate with it as well. In the novel, Ultima mostly communicates and listens to the “presence of the river”, and in the poem, the curandera “listens to the desert”. By this, one can perceive how the two curanderas communicate with nature and use nature to lift up people from death and give them life. Their experience and knowledge in life is visibly shown on the countless usages they make out of herbs. For instance, Ultima cured Uncle Lucas, who had been bewitched, by providing him with remedies made out of herbs she had gathered. In the poem, the author equally demonstrates a curandera who uses the herbs for brews of teas and ointments to heal people.
Furthermore, both curanderas are extremely admired. Ultima is very well respected by townspeople and is considered by many as pure and holy, a woman without sin. Although few consider her a witch, most appreciate her supernatural powers and therefore go to her for help. Ultima is also viewed as a “medica”; however she goes beyond this concept, and is seen as a person who could perform miracles. People from the llano, where she lives, approach her for blessings. Likewise, the curandera in the poem is also admired by the people from the village, who hope to be touched by her ointments. She seems to possess magic in her hands, prayers and eyes and as a result, people seek her for cures and blessings.
Despite the different literary works, one can analyze each of them and find a handful of similaries that these two curanderas share.