In this novel, Carlos Fuentes investigates the search for human identity with personal and recondite attention through Jaime
Ceballos, the main character. Jaime learns from his ancestors and their lives. He is suspended between the dilemmas created by different customs and
social classes as they characterize the Mexican town at the beginning of the twentieth century. The family hierarchy, imposition, and disintegration of moral order, is what takes the reader on a trip through the
conscience to find what is correct and incorrect.
Similarly, the religious and social critique is shown inquisitively in The Good Consciences, where reality and convience seem to build endlessly. In the end only the reader with have to the final say, because he will struggle to find what a good conscience is, what he should overthrow, once and for all, and what should be considered part of a good spirit.