It was a hot Sunday morning when we discovered the severed head of Enrique Quintanilla propped on the ledge of one of the cement planters in the plaza.
This first line of the novel establishes the tone, conflict, and mystery seen in Playing for the Devil’s Fire. The quotation introduces the violence frequent within the novel and places it in the center of the narrator’s town. The novel explores the way corruption destroys a town, and even the first lines of this story introduce these ideas.
Even as children we have to face bad guys, bullies, big kids, drunks, whatever.
Boli makes this remark soon after his parents leave town. Boli is unaware of the evils he will have to face, but this statement portrays Boli's character. Boli is driven towards justice and is dedicated to hope. These convictions greatly affect the way Boli reacts to his towns corruption and leads Boli to submit his life to create safety and justice in the world.
Please do something about our little town because we’re all sad and scared. Can’t you see us crying?
Boli utters this emotional line while praying at his dogs funeral. Boli's dog had been violently murdered and Boli prays this in desperation after losing so much. Throughout the novel, Boli explores his relationship with God and the church and this moment exposes the helplessness Boli is experiencing in his life.
I'm going to become a luchador. The best ever. El Diablo Rojo.
Playing for the Devil's Fire ends with this promise made by Boli. Boli dedicates his life to standing against corruption and decides to do this by becoming a luchador. In pursuing this goal, Boli continues the hope created by Chicano and uses a name that is reminiscent of Mosca. After Mosca dies, Chicano gives Boli the Devil's Fire marble. As Boli leaves his town he holds the marble and makes this promise to become a luchador. Boli decides to name himself El Diablo Rojo, which is The Red Devil in Spanish. This ending gives a hint of hope in a world of tragedy and establishes Boli's endless resilience against evil.
