The Mark of Zorro · Chapter
On the Heels of the Storm explained
Don Diego Vega visits a tavern during a storm, where Sergeant Gonzales boasts about capturing Zorro.
What happens
Don Diego Vega visits a tavern during a storm, where Sergeant Gonzales boasts about capturing Zorro. Don Diego feigns disinterest in violence and leaves, later returning to find Gonzales still boasting. The chapter establishes Don Diego's public persona as an indolent, peace-loving aristocrat and his peculiar friendship with the boastful sergeant.
Themes in this chapter
Duality and Secret Identity
Don Diego Vega's public persona as a lazy aristocrat contrasts with his secret identity as Zorro, hinted at by his subtle defense of Zorro's actions.
Cowardice vs. Courage
Gonzales boasts of courage while Don Diego appears cowardly, yet Don Diego's calm demeanor and subtle defiance suggest a different kind of bravery.
Honor and Social Class
Don Diego's noble birth and wealth allow him to patronize Gonzales, highlighting class distinctions and the performative nature of honor.
Characters to notice
- Don Diego Vega
Enters the tavern during a storm, feigns disinterest in violence and Zorro, leaves to fetch honey, and later returns.
- Sergeant Pedro Gonzales
Boasts about capturing Zorro, drinks Don Diego's wine, and performs a mock sword fight with shadows.
- Señor Zorro
Discussed by Gonzales and Don Diego as the notorious highwayman; not physically present.
Key passages
“Caballero, we have been speaking of this notorious Señor Zorro... We have been regarding in conversation this fine Curse of Capistrano, as some nimble-witted fool has seen fit to term the pest of the highway.”
Gonzales brings up the topic of Zorro, calling him the 'Curse of Capistrano'.
Gonzales introduces Zorro as a topic of conversation, showing his obsession with capturing him.
“I have been hearing considerable concerning his work... The fellow, no doubt, is sincere in his purpose. He has robbed none except officials who have stolen from the missions and the poor, and punished none except brutes who mistreat natives.”
Don Diego defends Zorro's actions, suggesting he only targets corrupt officials and abusers.
Don Diego subtly justifies Zorro's actions, hinting at his own secret identity.
“He seldom wears a blade, and I doubt whether he can use one—but he is my friend!”
Gonzales declares Don Diego his friend despite his apparent lack of sword skill.
Gonzales's loyalty to Don Diego is based on the free wine and Don Diego's wealth, not on martial prowess.