Thematic Analysis of Characters

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Questions and Answers

Who wants to become a sheepherder?

Samuel

What does Samuel say about the greatest calling?

To be a priest

What misconception do the kids have about heaven?

That it is only for Catholics

What was Tony's original role in the play, and what does he end up playing?

A shepherd, and then Joseph Signup and view all the answers

Who tells Tony to 'take care of the evil in the wind'?

Ultima Signup and view all the answers

What does Samuel say about the blood of man?

It thickens with the desire for revenge Signup and view all the answers

Why is the school play significant?

All of the kids end up playing roles they were not intended to play Signup and view all the answers

Who does Tony see fighting on his way home from the play?

Narciso and Tenorio Signup and view all the answers

Where is Andrew when Tony is following Narciso?

Rosie's Signup and view all the answers

What does Tony learn about his father?

That he goes to Rosie's too Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about Andrew at Rosie's and Tony's dream?

Andrew said that he would not go there until Tony had lost his innocence Signup and view all the answers

What do the two light posts of the bridge represent according to Tony?

The dividing line between the turbulence of the town and the quiet peace of the hills of the llano Signup and view all the answers

What does Tony say about the llano and his innocence?

The llano was like me, as I grew the innocence was gone Signup and view all the answers

Who kills Narciso?

Tenorio Signup and view all the answers

What is peaceful under the juniper tree?

Tony at the scene of Narciso's death Signup and view all the answers

What does Narciso ask Tony for at death?

Confession Signup and view all the answers

What are Narciso's last words?

It is good to die on the hill of the llano, beneath the juniper Signup and view all the answers

How does Tony think he can purge his fever?

By telling his story of Narciso's death Signup and view all the answers

In the dream, where is Andrew and what happens to him?

Rosie's, and he is pulled into the flames of hell by a demon Signup and view all the answers

In the dream, what does God say to Tony?

That he will forgive Narciso, but he will also forgive Tenorio Signup and view all the answers

In the dream, what does God call Tony out on?

Wanting a God who forgives all, but seeking punishment for vengeance Signup and view all the answers

Who does Tony see in the flames in his dreams?

Narciso? Signup and view all the answers

In the dream, who is at the head of the mob?

Three men driven by women with whips Signup and view all the answers

In the dream, what do Tony's brothers ask him to do?

Bless them and forgive them for not going the way of any god Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Tony in his dream?

The Trementina sisters curse him and make him very sick Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the children (Tony's friends) in the dream?

The Trementina sisters capture them, and they wither away Signup and view all the answers

What happens at the end of the dream?

The golden carp appears and the sun shines brightly Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters and Their Roles

Samuel aspires to be a sheepherder, indicating a desire for simplicity and tradition.
Tony transitions from playing a shepherd to Joseph in the school play, symbolizing growth and change.
Narciso is killed by Tenorio, representing the themes of vengeance and the loss of innocence.

Themes and Symbolism

The statement "A priest is a man who cares for his people" emphasizes the importance of community and spirituality.
The misconception that heaven is only for Catholics reflects societal beliefs about religion.
The two light posts of the bridge represent a boundary between the chaos of town life and the tranquility of nature.

Significant Events

The school play's significance lies in how each character ends up in unexpected roles, showcasing various facets of their personalities.
Tony witnesses a fight between Narciso and Tenorio, challenging his understanding of right and wrong in adult conflicts.
Tony learns disturbing truths about his father's actions at Rosie's, marking a loss of innocence.

Dreams and Conflicts

In a dream, God forgives Narciso and Tenorio, prompting reflection on forgiveness and vengeance.
Tony's brothers seek his blessing and forgiveness for their sins, indicating familial bonds and the search for redemption.
The Trementina sisters in Tony’s dream symbolize fear and the consequences of malevolent forces.

Key Quotes and Their Implications

"The blood of man thickens with the desire for revenge" highlights man’s struggle with emotions and the need for resolution.
Tony’s reflections on the llano show his internalization of loss as he matures, paralleling the land's transformation.

Conclusion and Aftermath

Narciso's last words express a connection to the land, revealing themes of life and death intertwined with nature.
The dream ends with the appearance of the golden carp, symbolizing hope and renewal amidst chaos and despair.

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Description

Explore the characters and themes in this analysis of their roles and growth. Understand how events and symbolism contribute to the portrayal of innocence, community, and spirituality. This quiz will challenge your knowledge of the significant events and their implications.