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.
