The Mark of Zorro · Chapter
A Ride in the Morning explained
Don Diego Vega rides to the Pulido hacienda, where he is warmly received by Don Carlos Pulido, who hopes that a connection with the powerful Vega family will improve his fortunes.
What happens
Don Diego Vega rides to the Pulido hacienda, where he is warmly received by Don Carlos Pulido, who hopes that a connection with the powerful Vega family will improve his fortunes. They discuss the recent exploits of Señor Zorro, who disarmed Sergeant Gonzales at the tavern.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Social Class
Don Carlos's hope that a visit from Don Diego Vega will restore his standing illustrates the importance of family name and connections in maintaining honor and protection from persecution.
Persecution and Oppression
Don Carlos has been stripped of his lands and harassed by tax-gatherers due to his political alignment, showing the oppression faced by those out of favor with the governor.
Characters to notice
- Don Diego Vega
Rides to the Pulido hacienda, dressed in fine garments, and discusses the recent Zorro incident with Don Carlos.
- Don Carlos Pulido
Anxiously awaits the visitor, hoping for a turn in his fortunes, and welcomes Don Diego warmly.
- Doña Catalina Pulido
Inside the hacienda, she feels her heart sing upon hearing of Don Diego's visit.
- Señorita Lolita Pulido
Dreams while plucking a guitar and runs to a window to see Don Diego approaching.
- Sergeant Pedro Gonzales
Mentioned as having been disarmed by Zorro in a duel at the tavern.
- Señor Zorro
Discussed as having invaded the tavern and disarmed Sergeant Gonzales.
Key passages
“Don Diego mounted, while half a score of men loitering around the plaza watched and made efforts to hide their grins.”
Don Diego got on his horse slowly, and about ten men in the plaza tried not to laugh at his lack of grace.
Illustrates Don Diego's deliberate, unathletic demeanor, contrasting with the expected vigor of a young man.
“Don Carlos raised his silvered head and peered down the long, twisting trail, and saw in the distance a small cloud of dust. The dust-cloud told him that a single horseman was approaching, and Don Carlos feared another gatherer of taxes.”
Don Carlos looked up and saw a dust cloud on the trail, worrying that it might be another tax collector coming to trouble him.
Shows Don Carlos's anxiety and the constant threat of official persecution.
“If Don Diego Vega could be made to feel some sympathy, if one of the illustrious Vega family would but whisper a word in the governor's ear, the persecution would cease instantly, for the commands of a Vega were made to be obeyed by all men of whatever rank.”
Don Carlos hoped that if Don Diego sympathized with him, a single word from the powerful Vega family could stop the governor's harassment.
Highlights the immense influence of the Vega family and the political dynamics of the time.