The Mark of Zorro · Chapter
IV: Swords Clash and Pedro Explains explained
Sergeant Gonzales fights Señor Zorro at the tavern, but is disarmed and humiliated when Zorro slaps him.
What happens
Sergeant Gonzales fights Señor Zorro at the tavern, but is disarmed and humiliated when Zorro slaps him. Zorro escapes through a window as townspeople arrive. Gonzales later spins a tale to save face, claiming he was handicapped by a broken thumb and Zorro's pistol. Don Diego Vega arrives and innocently taunts Gonzales by asking for a heroic account of the fight, further embarrassing the sergeant.
Themes in this chapter
Cowardice vs. Courage
Gonzales lies about the fight to protect his reputation, while Zorro demonstrates true courage by disarming him and escaping.
Justice and Injustice
Zorro slaps Gonzales for mistreating helpless natives, acting as an avenger for the oppressed.
Honor and Social Class
Gonzales's concern for his reputation among the pueblo and his need to maintain face as a sergeant reflect the importance of honor in the social hierarchy.
Characters to notice
- Señor Zorro
Fights and disarms Sergeant Gonzales, slaps him for mistreating natives, then escapes through a window into the storm.
- Sergeant Pedro Gonzales
Engages Zorro in a sword fight, is disarmed and slapped, then fabricates a story to explain his defeat.
- Don Diego Vega
Arrives at the tavern after the fight and playfully asks Gonzales for a heroic account, knowing the truth.
- Captain Ramón
Mentioned as the officer Gonzales plans to ask for permission to hunt Zorro.
Key passages
“Gonzales whirled at the word, and his blade came up. He saw that Señor Zorro had drawn his sword, and that he was holding the pistol in his left hand high above his head.”
Gonzales spun around and drew his sword, seeing Zorro with his blade out and a pistol raised in his left hand.
Opening of the sword fight.
“He attempted to pass around the man before him, and the other’s blade drove him back. He tried a retreat, hoping to draw the other out, but Señor Zorro stood his ground and forced Gonzales to attack again.”
Gonzales tried to circle around Zorro, but Zorro's sword blocked him; he then tried to retreat to lure Zorro forward, but Zorro held his position and made Gonzales come at him again.
Zorro's immovable defense frustrates Gonzales.
““We have had enough of playing!” Señor Zorro said. “It is time for the punishment!””
Zorro declared the fight was over and it was time to punish Gonzales.
Zorro shifts from defense to offense.
““That for a man who mistreats helpless natives!” he cried.”
Zorro slapped Gonzales as punishment for abusing defenseless natives.
Zorro's motive for the slap.
““Nobody but a highwayman, nobody but a cutthroat and thief would have done it!” he cried aloud.”
Gonzales shouted that only a criminal would have acted as Zorro did.
Gonzales's public denunciation of Zorro.
““Some days ago I broke the thumb of my sword hand while fencing at San Juan Capistrano. No doubt the word was passed to this Señor Zorro. And he visits me at such a time that he may afterward say he had vanquished me.””
Gonzales claimed he had recently broken his thumb, and that Zorro must have heard about it and chosen that moment to fight him so he could claim victory.
Gonzales's excuse for his defeat.
