Corruption
Playing for the Devil's Fire revolves around the corruption of a town because of a new highway that allows for the drug cartel to enter. The town, its tenants, and its church or slowly mutilated by the presence of corruption and this corruption results in the complete destruction of the town. Diederich suggests that corruption is not a grey area and that one can not be only a little corrupt. This can be seen in Mosca's story. He seems to be performing a simple task for the drug cartel, but this slight involvement leads to the boys death. Playing for the Devil's Fire depicts the infectious aspects of corruption and demonstrates a town forever marred by the presence of the cartel.
Hope
The theme of hope can most clearly be seen through the characterization of Boli. Boli is constantly resilient and this quality has drastic affects. Boli has hope in Chicano and this hope transforms Chicano from an average luchador to a hero. Because of Boli's belief and faith he is able to draw out the best qualities in others. This hope can also be seen at the end of the story when Boli, his sister, and their abuela leave town. Although Boli has lost his parents, his friends, and everything that is important to him, Boli holds on to the Devil's Fire and promises to become a luchador one day to protect against injustice. This plot point offers hope to the reader and portrays Diederich's emphasis on the importance of a hope and the need for action in facing corruption.
