Miguel believes he is cursed because, during his unexpected journey to the Land of the Dead, he is explicitly informed that his actions of taking items belonging to the deceased have resulted in a spiritual curse. This revelation becomes the central reason for his understanding of his predicament.
The Origin of Miguel's Curse Belief
Upon his arrival in the vibrant yet spectral Land of the Dead, Miguel quickly learns the profound consequences of disturbing the realm of the departed. The specific act that leads him to believe he is cursed is stealing from the dead. This is not a self-diagnosis but rather a condition explained to him by the inhabitants or rules of this supernatural world.
- Context of the Belief: Miguel's belief stems directly from the information imparted to him after he crosses over. It's an external judgment rather than an internal feeling.
- The Act: The perceived "theft" of an item or items from the dead is presented as the direct cause. This act is seen as a violation of the sacred boundaries between the living and the deceased.
- Consequence: The resulting "curse" is the spiritual repercussion that impacts his ability to return to the land of the living or interact normally within the Land of the Dead without adhering to certain conditions or finding a remedy.
This conviction drives much of his initial desperation and his quest to rectify his situation, highlighting the spiritual significance of respecting the dead in the world he suddenly finds himself in.
