Setting
The story takes place in this state
New Mexico
Antonio struggles with his religion after seeing the Golden Carp. This is an example of this type of conflict.
Internal Conflict
He is "almost seven" the summer Ultima arrives.
Antonio
The main fantastical element in the novel
Ultima / Her abilities
Animal symbol for Ultima
An owl
Antonio's father wants to move here with his sons.
California
What is "war sickness?"
PTSD, internal conflict
The two characters that cause most of Antonio's internal conflict as he thinks about his future.
Maria and Gabriel
The first act of magic that Ultima performs on Antonio
Healing his scrapes after he witnesses Lupito's death
Double Jeopardy
Water in the novel (river, holy water) represent this
Double Jeopardy
For Antonio's mother, Maria, this place represents her family and the hope she has for Antonio's future.
Luna vs Marez is this type of conflict
Person versus Person
A malicious man whose daughters cursed Antonio's uncle, Lucas.
Tenorio Trementina
Antonio sees this in Ultima's room after she heals Lucas..
Dolls of Tenorio's daughter
A religious symbol of forgiveness in the novel.
The Virgin de Guadeloupe
The location that Antonio personifies in a fearful way after witnessing the death of Lupito.
The river in the Ilano
The portion of the story in italics that emphasizes Antonio's internal conflicts and fears.
His dreams
Antonio's friend that shows him the golden carp.
Cico
Double Jeopardy
What is the difference between a curandera and a bruja?
This symbol forces Antonio to come face-to-face with contradictions between his religious and spiritual beliefs.
The golden carp
This location is symbolic for breaking Antonio's innocence after he sees Andrew there.
Rosie's place
Some of the townspeople believe that Ultima is a witch and Tenorio uses this conflict to try and turn people against her.
Person versus Society
Gabriel's friend who also shares a deep love of the Ilano.
Narciso
Antonio's young age may cause this typical aspect in magical realism as he tells the story how he remembers it.
Time distortion
Growth through education and learning