In this chapter, Antonio, the child-protagonist, develops a spiritual relationship with the plants of the plains. Ultima becomes more fully his mentor and he learns the uses of the different plants and roots. Through her, he learns to feel at ease with the presence of the river and to work in harmony with the elements. From her, he learns about the ancient ways of his ancestors.
Antomo's thoughts about la Virgen de Guadalupe reveal his preoccupation with punishment and forgiveness. For Antonio, God is a punishing, vengeful god, while la Virgen is forgiving. She represents purity, compassion, and mercy. Humans are born with sin which cannot be washed away except through one's holy communion with God. The dream reflects Antonio's emerging preoccupation with understanding whether or not he too is sinful and evil.
The dream, the third in the novel, reveals Antonio's concern about the souls of his brothers being doomed to eternal damnation. Antonio is concerned with the loss of innocence, the guilt that comes with sin, and his fear of death and the punishment of hell. His dream-death presents la Virgen in mourning over him, implying that she is requesting God to show mercy and forgive Antonio for his sins.
