Civilization vs. Wilderness

The contrast between the polished, modern city of Olifa and the harsh, untamed Gran Seco highlights tensions between order and chaos, and the fragility of civilized life.

The contrast between the polished Avenida de la Paz and the ancient, wilder parts of the city, with hints of a vast hinterland.

The contrast between the civilized world of the Gran Seco and the wild, poisonous forest highlights the struggle between human control and untamed nature.

Sandy explicitly contrasts the Gobernador's 'civilised' world of finance and politics with the rebels' 'ancient and elementary world' of nature and raw human spirit.

The plateau, once a secure sanctuary, is now a narrow ledge exposed to the wild forces of nature and enemy attack, highlighting the fragility of civilized order.