The Mark of Zorro · Chapter
The Whipping explained
Fray Felipe is publicly whipped for striking a man in the plaza, and Don Diego witnesses the brutal punishment.
What happens
Fray Felipe is publicly whipped for striking a man in the plaza, and Don Diego witnesses the brutal punishment. Afterward, Don Diego confides in his servant Bernardo about his desire to leave the pueblo and his failed courtship of Lolita Pulido. He then encounters the wounded Fray Felipe on the road, who laments the persecution of the missions. Don Diego expresses his wish to be a man of action, but continues to play the part of a fop.
Themes in this chapter
Persecution and Oppression
Fray Felipe is publicly whipped for a minor offense, and the mission system is described as being systematically robbed and persecuted.
Cowardice vs. Courage
Don Diego feels moved to action but is restrained; Fray Felipe shows courage by enduring the lash in silence and briefly fighting back.
Justice and Injustice
The trial of Fray Felipe is a farce, and the whipping is a clear injustice; Don Diego hopes Zorro will hear of the affair and act.
Characters to notice
- Don Diego Vega
Witnesses the whipping of Fray Felipe, feels moved to action but is restrained by the magistrado; later confides in Bernardo and speaks with Fray Felipe on the road.
- Fray Felipe
Publicly whipped for striking a man; shows great fortitude, refusing to cry out; later laments the persecution of the missions and advises Don Diego on love.
- Bernardo
Deaf and mute servant; Don Diego confides in him about his plans to leave the pueblo and his romantic troubles.
- Señorita Lolita Pulido
Mentioned as the object of Don Diego's failed courtship; she has rejected him for lacking dash and spirit.
- The Pulidos
Mentioned by Fray Felipe as having been subjected to unjust oppression.
Key passages
“The mission-empire is doomed, caballero. The time is not far distant when mission roofs will fall in and the walls crumble away.”
Fray Felipe predicts the collapse of the mission system, saying that soon the missions will be ruins.
Fray Felipe laments the destruction of the missions to Don Diego on the road.
“Sometimes, I wish I were a man of action.”
Don Diego expresses a desire to be more assertive and decisive.
Don Diego says this to Fray Felipe after witnessing the whipping and hearing about the persecution.
“Did you show her your heart, mention your love, and agree to be a perfect husband?”
Fray Felipe suggests that Don Diego should express his true feelings to Lolita rather than just showing off his wealth.
Fray Felipe advises Don Diego on how to win Lolita's affection.