# The Whipping explained — The Mark of Zorro

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mark_of_zorro_se/chapters/xxi-the-whipping
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mark_of_zorro_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mark_of_zorro_se/chapters