Aztlan
Aztlan is a mythical place, but it is also a reference to the "Chicano Movement". The narrator in the story uses Aztlan, the White Place, to describe his family home, where his mother abused him, physically and emotionally. It shows a self-destructive nature to refer to a place of abuse as a safe place, but it also might be a reminder of suffering lived through which gives hope to move forward.
Scarecrow
The first story ends with the boy looking at a scarecrow with dry weeds for hair, a flimsy brown dress, a take through the body and outstretched arms as if ready for embrace. This image could be in connection to the sexual abuse the boy recently experienced by the promiscuous cousin, or a disturbed portrayal of affection hence the arms ready for embrace.
Religion
Religion is an element used throughout the collection. The story "Reynaldo" showcases strong religious motif and imagery in the form of an apparition that visits the young boy and guides him through the past. There are instances where religious beliefs are questioned in terms of homosexuality, mentions of other religions aside from Christianity, like Islam or Ancient Egyptian religion.
