The time and location of the story are never identified and are not really necessary as the story addresses a universal conflict of man versus man as it relates to the themes of honor, pride and machismo of young Hispanic men. The reason for the challenge is never identified, but it is enough that a challenge has been issued. The core of the male Hispanic youth stems from pride, and no challenge can go unanswered in some way. The challenge itself is unimportant. The important elements are Justo's pride and honor in the face of that challenge.

The theme of violence is important as the young men fight for little or no reason, and the mechanics of the challenge are understood as well as the code of the actual event proceedings. There is a sad twist of honor achieved at the price of death among...