# XXIV: At the Hacienda of Don Alejandro explained — The Mark of Zorro

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

## What happens

Don Diego returns to his father's hacienda, complaining of the turmoil caused by Señor Zorro. He recounts the whipping of Fray Felipe and the pursuit of the highwayman. Don Alejandro urges his son to be more spirited and to win the hand of Lolita Pulido, threatening to disinherit him if he does not marry within a quarter year.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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