Florence's death in Bless Me, Ultima is significant as it deepens Antonio's spiritual doubts and questions about faith. Florence, an atheist, challenges Antonio's Catholic beliefs, leading him to empathize with Florence's skepticism. His death, particularly after Antonio's pseudo-confession, forces Antonio to confront the nature of good and evil and reconcile his religious upbringing with broader spiritual experiences.

Cico's mermaid tale in Bless Me, Ultima shares similarities with the story of La Llorona, as both feature enchanting female figures who lure men with their songs, leading them to potential danger. The mermaid, a pagan symbol, and La Llorona, a traditional Mexican-American figure, both reside near water and evoke fear in men. However, La Llorona's story involves revenge for her drowned children, whereas the mermaid's motives are unclear. These tales help Antonio explore his cultural and spiritual identity.

The golden carp significantly impacts Antonio's perception of Catholicism by challenging his faith and prompting him to question religious dogma. While Catholic teachings leave Antonio with doubts, the carp offers a tangible and fulfilling spiritual experience. This encounter deepens his skepticism, especially after witnessing Ultima's healing powers, which contrast with the Church's ineffectiveness. Antonio's desire to share the carp's revelation with his agnostic friend Florence, who tragically drowns, further intensifies his religious doubts.

Witnessing Lupito's death profoundly affects Antonio, leading him to grapple with complex ideas about mortality and the afterlife. He is horrified by the event and seeks comfort from Ultima. Antonio's reflections on Lupito's soul—whether it is forgiven or condemned—prompt him to question the morality and justice of the men involved in the killing. This experience introduces him to the harsh realities of life and death, shaking his understanding of human nature.

The metaphor "the waters are one" symbolizes Antonio's internal struggle with his religious identity in Bless Me, Ultima. It reflects his attraction to the mystical and pagan beliefs of the Golden Carp, contrasting with his Catholic upbringing. This phrase underscores his quest for a singular, authentic spiritual truth, amidst the conflicting influences of Catholicism and the magical, pagan worldviews he encounters through Ultima and the Golden Carp.

This quote highlights Antonio's transformative experience upon seeing the golden carp, symbolizing a deity that challenges his Catholic beliefs. In Chapter 21, Antonio's encounter with the carp alleviates his religious doubts, suggesting the presence of multiple gods beyond traditional faith. This moment underscores the novel's theme of religious pluralism, where no single religion provides all answers. The golden carp embodies an alternative spirituality, offering Antonio a sense of peace and harmony with nature.

After witnessing Lupito's death, Tony questions his Catholic faith and God's role in the tragedy. He wonders if God listened to his prayers and considers the fate of Lupito's soul, pondering whether it is destined for hell or if his prayer might save him. Tony's reflections reveal his shaken faith and his struggle to reconcile his beliefs with the harsh realities of life and death he encounters.

Antonio's identity conflict arises from being torn between his father's Marez heritage, linked to nomadic plainsmen, and his mother's Luna lineage, rooted in farming. Additionally, he struggles between Catholicism and the animist beliefs symbolized by the Golden Carp. Ultimately, Antonio resolves this conflict by realizing he can blend these dual influences, creating a new identity and spiritual understanding that encompasses both heritages and belief systems, rather than choosing one over the other.

Antonio's dreams in Bless Me, Ultima reveal his inner conflicts and quest for identity. They reflect his struggles with cultural and religious expectations, highlighting his fears, hopes, and the influence of his family's diverse heritage on his personal growth.

Antonio's dual heritage as a Marez and a Luna represents the conflict between the wild, adventurous spirit of the Marez and the nurturing, agrarian values of the Luna. This duality influences his identity and his quest for understanding his place in the world, as he navigates the expectations and traditions of both sides of his family.