Into the Beautiful North

“Nobody in the village liked change” 

The fact that the citizens of Tres Camarones are resistant to change is at odds with the fact that something in the town needs to change in order to prevent the bandidos from taking over. This sentiment also foreshadows later developments as the characters begin to question previously held thoughts and beliefs, discovering that such changes are oftentimes necessary as a way to learn and grow. 

“Everything passes” 

The significance of this quote, written on a postcard from her father, is initially unclear to Nayeli. However, as she embarks on the journey to gather up seven men to fight the bandidos and to locate her father, Nayeli learns that everything is transient. She must let go of past conceptions and learn to adapt in order to succeed in her mission. When she finally does see her father, Nayeli decides to leave without approaching him, realizing how his loyalty to her and her family has “passed” on, and revealing that she finally understands the meaning of his favorite saying. 

“The villagers are beset by bandidos. Overwhelmed and outgunned, they resort to a desperate plan – they go to Los Yunaites” 

After watching a showing of The Magnificent Seven during the town’s film festival, Nayeli is inspired by the movie’s plot and resolves to travel to the US to round up her own gang of seven men to help battle the bandidos.