When he brings his troubles to his father, bombarding him with questions, his father replies simply with, “understanding comes with life” (Anaya 248). Antonio’s father understands that the church yielded no answers for Antonio, and he shows Antonio that he will only find answers through living, not in the church. This is a strong instantiation of the free spirit of the Marez, only to live and see what is at the end of the horizon instead of only thinking of it. Without Ultima, The contrast between Luna and Marez continues to grow.
Theresa Kanoza writes of this sharp contrast, explaining that Antonio not only experiences a difference in parental influence, but a similar influence from his peers who hold faith to different God’s (161,2). Antonio feels the pull towards God, as well as a pull towards the Golden Carp, yet he remains unable to choose. Antonio’s questions remain unanswered by both sides, and he finds no lasting comfort in the ways of the Luna or of the Marez. And thus it becomes clear that he must find a middle ground, the only option being