1.

) Lupitos murder was a big negative change in Antonios life because it was the first time he

saw a murder. But other than that, it is also his first big step away from innocence because he has

seen things like what grief does to people and death. But I saw his bitter, contorted grin. As

long as I live I will never forget those wild eyes, like the eyes of a trapped, savage animal.-

(Anaya,18). Because it is the first time Tony experienced a person die in front of him, it is his

first introduction to the darker side of life; he witnesses a death, and he witnesses the profound

effect the sheriffs death has on Chavez. Overall, Tonys witness of Lupitos death and the effect

the sheriffs death had on Chavez is Tonys first big step away from innocence and a large

negative change in Tonys life.

2.) Next, Tonys beginning of school. Tony is for the first time meeting new people at school, a

place that is new to him, and he does not have the help of his mother. Because of this, Tonys

beginning of school is important. For the first time in my life I was away from the protection of

my mother. I was excited and sad about it.-(Anaya,51). Antonios entry into school is an

important part of his journey from innocence to enlightenment, since he gets many new

experiences. He meets his first friends in his gang, he meets Chico, he gains knowledge, and he

does all of this away from home and without guidance. Because Tony meets new people, has

new experiences, and gains knowledge from school, his entry into school is an important part of

his journey from innocence to enlightenment.

3.) Antonios introduction to the Golden Carp is another pivotal moment in his life because he is

shown a religion and a god from an outside world. As Antonio is gaining exposure to the outside

world, which in this case is a religion Antonio has never heard of, Antonio is also gaining

experience. Antonios introduction to the Golden Carp also prompts him to think critically;

What if my mother is praying to the wrong god?-(Anaya,81). Overall, by getting exposed to

the Golden Carp, Antonio is also gaining knowledge of an outside religion, and thinking

critically about his own religion. This all shows that the introduction to the Golden Carp was a

pivotal moment in his life.

4.) The death of Narciso is another turning point in Antonios life because Antonio loses a close

friend. This is shown to have an emotional impact on Antonio; I wanted to cry out into the

storm that it was not fair that Narciso dies for doing good, that it wasn't fair for a mere boy to be

at the dying of a man- (Anaya,170). This is Antonios first experience with a death of a friend,

and because of this it takes a larger toll on him than Narcisos death; Antonio is scarred from

seeing Narciso being denied help by Anthony, and he witnesses Narciso die with his blood on his

hands. He wants to cry out that it is unfair for Narciso to die for doing good. Since Narciso was a

friend to Antonio, his death is the most impactful at the time, and as a result is a turning point in

Antonios life.
5.) Next is Florence. Florence is Antonios first Atheist friend, and he is important because he

introduces Tony to the idea that God may not exist. Florence gives Tony questions and responses

that make Tony think about religion in a new way; How can god let this happen to a kid. He

gives me birth, a soul, and puts me here to punish me. Why?-(Anaya,196). Questions like these

are key for Antonio to think about new ideas about his religion and God; for example, Antonio

proposes the idea that God may come in cycles, like the weather. Overall, Florence is important

because he makes Antonio think and gain new ideas about religion.

6.)Lastly, Antonio going with his uncles in El Puerto is an important change because it is where

Antonio begins going from a child to a man. Sometimes when I look back on that summer I

think it was the last summer where I was truly a child-(Anaya,250). Now that Antonio is with

his uncles in El Puerto, he has freedom and he starts making his own decisions about what is

right and wrong. He also observes the way of the Lunas too; he sees their respect for the plant

and how they are guided by the moon. Because he learns the way of the Lunas, starts making his

own decisions about what is right and wrong, and ultimately starts going from a child to a man,

Antonio going with his uncles in El Puerto is an important change.