# Persecution and Oppression in The Mark of Zorro

> Theme guide for The Mark of Zorro by Johnston McCulley.

The Pulido family is unjustly imprisoned for treason, and natives are beaten and exploited, highlighting the systemic persecution of both the gentry and the poor by corrupt officials.

## Where it surfaces

- [A Ride in the Morning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mark_of_zorro_se/chapters/v-a-ride-in-the-morning): Don Carlos has been stripped of his lands and harassed by tax-gatherers due to his political alignment, showing the oppression faced by those out of favor with the governor.
- [Captain Ramón Writes a Letter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mark_of_zorro_se/chapters/xiv-captain-ram-n-writes-a-letter): Ramón's plot to frame the Pulidos and hint at the Vegas' disloyalty exemplifies the oppressive use of power by the colonial authorities against perceived enemies.
- [Sergeant Gonzales Meets a Friend](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mark_of_zorro_se/chapters/xvii-sergeant-gonzales-meets-a-friend): Gonzales's threat to whip Fray Felipe and the soldiers' intrusion into the friar's home illustrate the oppression of those who speak truth to power.
- [Don Diego Shows Interest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mark_of_zorro_se/chapters/xx-don-diego-shows-interest): Fray Felipe is persecuted by the soldiers and the legal system due to his affiliation with the missions and his outspokenness against the governor.
- [The Whipping](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mark_of_zorro_se/chapters/xxi-the-whipping): Fray Felipe is publicly whipped for a minor offense, and the mission system is described as being systematically robbed and persecuted.
- [Orders for Arrest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mark_of_zorro_se/chapters/xxvii-orders-for-arrest): The Pulido family is persecuted for their alleged support of Zorro, highlighting the oppressive nature of the colonial regime.
- [The Outrage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mark_of_zorro_se/chapters/xxviii-the-outrage): The Pulidos are arrested on false charges of treason, publicly humiliated, and thrown into a common jail—a clear act of political persecution by the governor.
- [Flight and Pursuit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mark_of_zorro_se/chapters/xxxiii-flight-and-pursuit): Fray Felipe's defiance against Gonzales's threats and his cry for an end to persecution highlight the theme of oppression by corrupt authorities.
- [XXXIV: The Blood of the Pulidos](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mark_of_zorro_se/chapters/xxxiv-the-blood-of-the-pulidos): The Pulidos are unjustly persecuted by the governor's forces, as shown by the relentless pursuit of Lolita and her willingness to die rather than submit.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mark_of_zorro_se/themes/persecution_and_oppression
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mark_of_zorro_se/themes