What is the role of the dreams? Why does Antonio seem to slip out of dreams and into reality?

The dream motif is used throughout this story. Antonio makes sense of his world throughout the story through his dreams. Antonio's earliest dream is of his own birth. Each dream addresses some part of his life that is perplexing. He dreams of being a vaquero or a priest. In later dreams, his dreams are preoccupied with coming of age, morality, and sense of duty. All of his dreams manifest themselves in his reality. His brother calling for his help, for example, comes to fruition.