John Grady's journey has led him on a tumultuous path that has thrust him into a confrontation with reality. John Grady has not only learned about who he is, but also about humanity in general. His time in Mexico has given him the opportunity to interact with the world and find people who speak truths and impart beliefs that he did not know existed. John Grady is often in a position in which he has to simply allow others to impart their wisdom--or perceived wisdom in some cases--upon him.
During his conversation with Duena Alfonsa, she states, "I'm not sure you understand what I am telling you. I was seventeen and this country to me was like a rare vase being carried about by a child. There was an electricity in the air. Everything seemed possible. I thought that there were thousands like us. Like Francisco. Like Gustavo. There were not. Finally in the end it seemed there were none" (233). Duena Alfonsa continues her story without providing John Grady time to reply. Her story progresses and the reader is never exposed to John Grady's immediate reactions to her monologue. In your opinion, how do you think John Grady would respond to the above statements if given a chance? Would John Grady Cole consider himself one of the individuals that Alfonsa refers to as "like us," or is does he better fit in the category of the "none?"