The Mark of Zorro · Chapter
Captain Ramón Writes a Letter explained
After being humiliated by Zorro at Don Diego Vega's door, Captain Ramón returns to the presidio, seething with rage.
What happens
After being humiliated by Zorro at Don Diego Vega's door, Captain Ramón returns to the presidio, seething with rage. Unable to pursue Zorro immediately due to a lack of soldiers, he decides to write a letter to the governor, falsely implicating Don Carlos Pulido and his daughter Lolita as collaborators with Zorro. He also hints at a wealthy family wavering in loyalty, aiming to incite the governor's wrath against the Pulidos and possibly the Vegas. Ramón sends the letter by courier, then reads his copy, plotting revenge against Lolita for rejecting him.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Injustice
Ramón's false letter to the governor represents a perversion of justice, using official channels to persecute innocent people for personal revenge.
Persecution and Oppression
Ramón's plot to frame the Pulidos and hint at the Vegas' disloyalty exemplifies the oppressive use of power by the colonial authorities against perceived enemies.
Characters to notice
- Captain Ramón
Furious after Zorro's humiliation, he writes a deceitful letter to the governor to frame the Pulidos and hint at the Vegas' disloyalty.
- Señorita Lolita Pulido
Mentioned in Ramón's letter as showing admiration for Zorro and sneering at the soldiers, which Ramón uses to incriminate her family.
- Don Carlos Pulido
Falsely accused by Ramón of harboring Zorro and hindering the pursuit, further endangering his family.
- Señor Zorro
The object of Ramón's wrath; Ramón mistakenly believes Zorro has fled, but Zorro has not left the area.
- Don Diego Vega
Mentioned as the wealthy family Ramón hints at in his letter, implying wavering loyalty to the governor.
Key passages
“Picking himself up out of the dust before Don Diego Vega's door, Captain Ramón darted through the darkness to the footpath that ran up the slope toward the presidio.”
After being knocked down at Don Diego's doorstep, Captain Ramón scrambled up and hurried through the dark to the path leading to the presidio.
Shows Ramón's immediate flight after Zorro's humiliation.
“He could have his revenge for the flouting the daughter of Don Carlos Pulido had given him.”
He could get back at Lolita Pulido for the way she had scorned him.
Reveals Ramón's motive for writing the letter.
“I may mention that I was hindered somewhat by this Don Carlos in pursuing the man.”
I should note that Don Carlos obstructed my pursuit of the man.
Ramón's false accusation in the letter.