Universal Themes

• Adventure: This theme takes place throughout the book. It is the cause of the story taking place. Guevara and Granado experience many adventures as they explore South America.This is the basis of the story.

• Education: Guevara obtains knowledge about the world. He learns about the history of the area and why it is the way it is. This develops what Guevara does with the rest of his life. We all ultimately have a worldly experience that unleashes and epiphany. This epiphany allows us to see the world for what it is. Only some people (like Guevara) use this for good.

• Charity:  This theme develops off of education. As Ernesto is taught about the world and the poor situation Latin America is in, he decides to help those in need. He not only helps them, but he helps himself by developing a strong sense of self. Many people realize that there is more to life than just themselves, and so they do charitable acts.

• Culture: As these two young men explore South America, they develop a sense of place. They experience many cultures of the world. Not only do they get a taste of Latin American culture, but they also find people along the way from all across the globe. This is important to any person to see how the rest of the world lives. It allows us to develop a more wholesome self.

• Leadership: Guevara uses all of the previous themes to develop leadership skills. He uses these skills to help the greater population of South and Central America. He realizes the situation of poverty and extreme governmental stress that the region is under. He lifts the burdens of many people on the continent.