# XIX: Captain Ramón Apologizes explained — The Mark of Zorro

> Chapter companion for The Mark of Zorro by Johnston McCulley.

## What happens

Captain Ramón apologizes to Don Diego for insulting Lolita Pulido, but also insinuates that Don Carlos Pulido may be aiding Zorro. Don Diego feigns concern and accepts the apology. Meanwhile, Lolita rejects Don Diego's marriage proposal, citing lack of love, and her parents advise Don Diego to court her more patiently. The Pulidos plan to return to their hacienda.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Social Class

Captain Ramón's accusations against Don Carlos Pulido highlight how social standing and political favor affect honor and reputation. Don Diego's feigned concern about harboring a traitor underscores class anxieties.

### Love and Romance

Lolita's rejection of Don Diego's practical, unromantic proposal contrasts with her idealized view of Zorro, illustrating the tension between societal expectations and genuine affection.

### Duality and Secret Identity

Don Diego's dual role as the foppish suitor and Zorro is evident as he manipulates Captain Ramón and feigns weakness while secretly being the rogue who attacked him.

## Character check-ins

### Don Diego Vega

Feigns concern over Captain Ramón's accusations and accepts his apology; continues his awkward courtship of Lolita, who rejects him.

### Captain Ramón

Apologizes to Don Diego for insulting Lolita, but suggests Don Carlos Pulido may be a traitor aiding Zorro; laughs at Don Diego's apparent weakness.

### Señorita Lolita Pulido

Rejects Don Diego's marriage proposal, confessing she does not love him; compares him unfavorably to Señor Zorro.

### Don Carlos Pulido

Defends his daughter's rejection of Don Diego, advising him to court her more patiently; plans to return to the hacienda.

### Doña Catalina Pulido

Supports her daughter's feelings and advises Don Diego to give Lolita time; suggests the family return to the hacienda.

## Key lines

> Captain Ramón is a beast!

Lolita calls Captain Ramón a brute for his behavior.

_Lolita expresses her anger and disgust at Ramón's advances._

> I cannot wed you, Don Diego, and it is useless for you to ask.

Lolita tells Don Diego she cannot marry him and that further asking is pointless.

_Lolita firmly rejects Don Diego's marriage proposal._

> What a man! the captain exclaimed. I have turned him away from that Pulido señorita, I think.

Captain Ramón laughs and believes he has successfully discouraged Don Diego from pursuing Lolita.

_Ramón misinterprets Don Diego's feigned compliance as weakness._

## Links

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