How does Carlos Fuentes use imagery in Where the Air Is Clear?

One important symbol in the novel is fire.... a recurring element in the Aztec mythology, most clearly evident in Ixca's name: his first name means "to roast," and his last "a thousand fires." Ixca's function is that of an avenger who would burn off the impurity in a sacrificial offering and let the true Mexican identity arise. The imagery of flames appears in many descriptions of the city's panorama, as well as in the imagery of the sun (another powerful Aztec element). The importance of fire as a symbol of self is here present in the name of the individual and his sense of social purpose; Ixca also often sees flames, real or imagined, and uses the imagery of fire to describe his visions of Mexico City.