The Mark of Zorro · Chapter
A Visit explained
Don Diego sends a message to Don Carlos Pulido, urging him to bring his family to stay at his house in Reina de Los Angeles for safety while the soldiers pursue Zorro.
What happens
Don Diego sends a message to Don Carlos Pulido, urging him to bring his family to stay at his house in Reina de Los Angeles for safety while the soldiers pursue Zorro. The Pulidos accept and travel to the pueblo, where Don Carlos visits the inn and reestablishes social connections, hinting at Don Diego's courtship of Lolita. Meanwhile, Sergeant Gonzales prepares to hunt Zorro, and Don Diego departs for his hacienda.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Social Class
Don Carlos's concern for his family's social standing and the townspeople's shifting attitudes toward him based on his connection to Don Diego highlight the importance of class and reputation.
Love and Romance
Lolita's internal struggle between the security of a wealthy marriage to Don Diego and her longing for romantic love underscores the theme of love versus practicality.
Characters to notice
- Don Diego Vega
Writes to Don Carlos, inviting the Pulidos to stay at his house; departs for his hacienda after seeing the soldiers off.
- Don Carlos Pulido
Accepts Don Diego's invitation, travels to the pueblo with his family, and visits the inn to renew acquaintances.
- Señorita Lolita Pulido
Travels to the pueblo with her parents; internally conflicted about the prospect of marrying Don Diego for wealth versus her desire for romance.
- Doña Catalina Pulido
Accompanies her husband and daughter to the pueblo; impressed by the riches in Don Diego's house.
- Sergeant Pedro Gonzales
Leads a troop of soldiers in pursuit of Zorro, boasting of capturing him; departs toward Pala and San Luis Rey.
Key passages
“The soldiers are starting this morning to pursue this Señor Zorro, and it has been reported that the highwayman has a band of rogues under his command and may offer battle.”
The soldiers have begun their pursuit of Zorro, who is rumored to lead a group of outlaws and might fight back.
Don Diego's warning to Don Carlos about the danger posed by Zorro.
“I believe it will be all right. I should like to visit the pueblo, for we see scarcely anybody here at the hacienda. But people may talk concerning Don Diego and myself.”
Lolita agrees to the visit but worries about gossip linking her romantically to Don Diego.
Lolita's cautious acceptance of the invitation, showing her awareness of social scrutiny.
“This Curse of Capistrano soon shall cease to exist! Pedro Gonzales is on his trail. Ha! When I stand face to face with the fellow—”
Sergeant Gonzales boasts that he will soon capture Zorro and end his reign of terror.
Gonzales's public bravado before setting out on the hunt.