# A Princess of Mars explained — A Princess of Mars

> Chapter companion for A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## What happens

John Carter recounts his arrival on Mars, his capture by the Tharks, and his first encounters with the green Martians and the captive Princess Dejah Thoris, setting the stage for his adventures and growing bond with her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Alienation and Belonging

John Carter is a stranger in a strange land, struggling to find his place among the Tharks while forming bonds with Dejah Thoris and Sola.

### Honor and Custom

Thark society is governed by rigid codes of honor and custom, which both constrain and protect John Carter and Dejah Thoris.

## Character check-ins

### John Carter

Narrator and protagonist, newly arrived on Mars and captured by Tharks.

### Dejah Thoris

Princess of Helium, held captive by the Tharks, first meets John Carter.

### Tars Tarkas

Thark leader who interacts with John Carter and Dejah Thoris.

### Sola

Thark who shows kindness to John Carter and helps him navigate Thark society.

### Sarkoja

Thark woman who is suspicious of John Carter and Dejah Thoris.

## Key lines

> I opened my eyes upon a strange and weird landscape. I knew that I was on Mars.

John Carter wakes up on Mars, realizing he has been transported to an alien world.

_Key moment of arrival and realization._

> The Tharks are a cruel and warlike race, but they have their own code of honor.

The green Martians are violent but adhere to a strict moral code.

_Introduces Thark culture and theme of honor._

> Dejah Thoris, Princess of Helium, was a prisoner among the Tharks.

The princess from Helium is held captive by the Tharks.

_Establishes Dejah Thoris's status and central conflict._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_princess_of_mars_se/chapters/a-princess-of-mars
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_princess_of_mars_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_princess_of_mars_se/chapters