Narciso's death goes unpunished by the townspeople, and Antonio becomes aware that social perceptions often determine justice. Because Narciso was a drunkard, the townspeople didn't care much about his death. Antonio, on the other hand, saw him as a good man and as one of the magic people.
Antonio becomes estranged from Andrew as a result of Narciso's murder. He cannot help but wonder if Narciso might still be alive if Andrew had helped him. Unconsciously, Antonio is blaming his brother for Narciso's death and finding it difficult to forgive him. Moreover, for Antonio, Andrew's departure affirms his loss of innocence.
From Ultima, Antonio learns of human frailty and how Narciso took to drinking to cope with hardships in life. He realizes that hardships bring people together and that lifelong friendships emerge as a consequence. But Anaya is also speaking to us about the social solidarity that exists in rural communities and the sense of community that stems from it.
Reciting his prayers in English to his mother, Antonio is reminded of the struggle over language. He is becoming increasingly aware of his membership in an ethnic group and developing a sense of the cultural conflict that exists. At the same time, his mother provides him with an adaptive strategy that embraces both Spanish and English. The return and departure of Antonio's brothers signify a new period in the Márez family. Gabriel seems to accept that his dream to move his family westward will never be realized and that his sons now have lives independent from his own. Gabriel works alone, and his solitude poignantly signals the end of the work team that he and his sons once constituted. For Antonio, the tension between the opposing visions and aspirations of his parents are bound to lessen, as Gabriel has achieved a new level of understanding and will not continue to stand resolutely behind his dreams. The brothers continue their own quests in life. Unconsciously, Antonio is losing confidence in his parents' nostalgic perspectives and in his brothers as role models. He is growing in assurance, critical intelligence, and individuality.
