XXIV: At the Hacienda of Don Alejandro explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Honor and Social Class

  Don Alejandro's insistence on Diego marrying to continue the Vega lineage highlights the importance of family honor and social standing.

• Cowardice vs. Courage

  Don Alejandro contrasts Diego's lifelessness with the courage of Señor Zorro, expressing a wish that his son had the highwayman's spirit.

Characters to notice

• Don Diego Vega

  Returns to his father's hacienda, complaining of the violence and turmoil in the pueblo, and reveals that Lolita has rejected his suit.

• Don Alejandro Vega

  Head of the Vega family, disappointed in his son's lack of spirit, and threatens to leave his wealth to the Franciscans if Diego does not marry within a quarter year.

• Bernardo

  Deaf and dumb servant who accompanies Don Diego and guards his master's room during the night.

• Señorita Lolita Pulido

  Mentioned as the object of Don Diego's suit; she has rejected him because he lacks romantic passion.

• Fray Felipe

  Mentioned as having been whipped fifteen times after a mock trial, an event that disturbs Don Diego.

Key passages

• “I would rather have you, my son, in his place, running the risk of death or imprisonment, than to have you a lifeless dreamer of dreams that amount to naught!”

  Don Alejandro tells Diego he would prefer him to be a daring outlaw like Zorro than a passive dreamer.

  Expresses the father's frustration with his son's lack of vigor.

• “Win you a wife within the quarter year, young sir, and a wife I can accept into the family, or I leave my wealth to the Franciscans when I pass away!”

  Don Alejandro threatens to disinherit Diego if he does not marry a suitable woman within three months.

  Highlights the pressure on Diego to fulfill his familial duty.