The Mark of Zorro · Chapter
VII: A Different Sort of Man explained
After Lolita rejects Don Diego's lifeless courtship, her parents pressure her to reconsider for the sake of the family's fortunes.
What happens
After Lolita rejects Don Diego's lifeless courtship, her parents pressure her to reconsider for the sake of the family's fortunes. During siesta, the masked highwayman Zorro appears in the Pulido patio, charming Lolita with bold words and a kiss on her hand before departing. She contrasts his daring spirit with Don Diego's dullness, musing that Zorro is 'a thief—yet a man.'
Themes in this chapter
Love and Romance
Contrast between Don Diego's lifeless courtship and Zorro's passionate, dangerous flirtation with Lolita.
Honor and Social Class
Lolita's family pressures her to marry for wealth and status to restore their honor and fortune.
Duality and Secret Identity
Zorro's masked appearance and his contrast with the languid Don Diego hint at the dual identity central to the story.
Characters to notice
- Señorita Lolita Pulido
Rejects Don Diego's suit, then encounters Zorro in the patio and is both frightened and fascinated by his boldness.
- Don Diego Vega
Makes a lackluster proposal to Lolita and is rejected; leaves the hacienda embarrassed.
- Don Carlos Pulido
Attempts to placate Don Diego after Lolita's rejection and later urges his daughter to be more amenable.
- Doña Catalina Pulido
Wails over Lolita's refusal, emphasizing Don Diego's wealth and position.
- Señor Zorro
Appears in the Pulido patio during siesta, flirts with Lolita, kisses her hand, and departs after a tense exchange.
Key passages
“But to wed a man who suggested sending a native servant to serenade her in his own place!”
Lolita scorns the idea of marrying someone who would delegate a romantic gesture to a servant.
Highlights Don Diego's lack of personal passion.
“A thief—yet a man!”
Lolita acknowledges Zorro's criminal status but admires his bold masculinity.
Contrasts Zorro's vitality with Don Diego's passivity.