The terror that Antonio feels can be interpreted simply as a boy's fears of powerlessness in a world of adults, fears of leaving expectations unfulfilled, and a sense that fate and the future are approaching. This can partly be seen through sequences in his dreams, but more throughout his daily life and thoughts. Antonio seems to be lonely, and out of place, and that can be terrifying for anyone.

There is an important passage in the book that creates beautiful imagery of what it is like to be in the mind of Antonio Marez. It leads you into the depths of his dream, so much that the pain of the separation of his family's beliefs can be felt by the reader. There is strong influence of Catholicism and yet also the religion of the Golden Carp