Joaquin Murieta
The main character of the story, and the real person behind the story has himself symbolic meaning. He symbolizes the hatred and racial degradation in America and how injustice towards a man by the hand of his fellow man can completely destroy the moral values and lead a man towards a wrong path in which many suffer. The story of Joaquin Murieta has been retold through various sources, but the significance of it and the time it speaks of holds its value.
A silver bullet
The story portrays the life of Joaquin Murieta up until his death. It shows various occurrences where he barely escapes death but nevertheless does, almost as if there is a force protecting him from everything and that only a silver bullet can kill him. His life is ended in that exact way.
A hero
Confirming the idea of Joaquin Murieta being a portrayal of an anti-hero, the author comments on his character as being not a mere outlaw. He is indeed a hero to many, a hero to his country who has revenged and washed out his country's disgrace in the enemy's blood.
