El Zorro:
The Fox
Who is Zorro? What is Zorro?
The plot and character of Zorro was created by Isabel Allende. She created this character, this iconic figure that reached out to the common people. The legend of Zorro is a classic tale of a hero fighting crime and helping the poor and abused. Similar to modern characters just as Batman and Robin Hood, Zorro seeks to avenge those who cannot protect themselves from the terrors of evil individuals.
It is interesting to note that with Zorro, we find a heroic figure that originated from the party in which he now fights against.
Growing up the son of a wealthy politician, we see Zorro's character begin his journey as a young man loyal to the Spanish crown and its government. However through his own personal experiences, he learns of the corrupt nature of the government and is angered by his loyalty to such an unjust and brutal system.
When examining Zorro, it is important to remember which side of the fence he originated. As a young man, Zorro, had the money, the skills, and the advantages of Spain. But regardless, he was able to see the destruction and pain cause by such a governmental entity such as the Spanish military. However, I again find it fascinating to discover that Zorro makes use of every advantage Spain his given him. I am in awe of such a story line that uses an upper class character use all of his gentleman skills to completely disrupt the military of a nation that his given him everything. In other words, Zorro is battling a military, who government (Spain) fully equipped him (Zorro) to be the militarise most formidable and effective opponent.
Through our studies in class, we view the graphic comic of Zorro. Illustrated by artist Francovilla, we got to see, rather than read the issues that Zorro faced. A key issue that i picked up on, was the separation of classes. Author Allende and artist Francovilla, present this pure blood Spanish class, "Casellno's". The are seen as the wealthy, the mighty, the cruel, non-tolerant, and nefarious class. This class is mainly represented by the Spanish military, thought to have come straight from Spain and are in the America's to enforce the will of the crown. On the other hand, we are faced with this lower class, this poor, abused, and taxed society. Representing the mixed blood class or the Mestizo, the natives and peasants are forced into submission by the government.
By presenting these two social classes, the authors have show readers the huge social divide and the struggle that Zorro faces in trying to defend such a defenceless class. However readers can take comfort in the fact that against such as evil, a figure like Zorro is invincible. The legend, the icon, the embodiment of Zorro is something that no government, no military, or bullet can kill.
