# VII: Child-Raising on Mars explained — A Princess of Mars

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

## What happens

John Carter observes the green Martians' method of child-rearing, from the hatching of eggs in remote incubators to the capture and communal upbringing of the young. He learns that Martians lack familial bonds, with children raised by foster mothers and taught only to speak and use weapons. Carter also continues his own education in the Martian language and telepathy, discovering that his mind cannot be read by others.

## Themes in this chapter

### Survival and Adaptation

The Martians' harsh child-rearing practices are a direct response to their planet's dwindling resources, emphasizing survival over emotional bonds.

### Alienation and Belonging

Carter feels alienated by the lack of familial love among Martians, contrasting with his own human values.

## Character check-ins

### John Carter

Observes the hatching and child-rearing customs, continues learning Martian language and telepathy, and demonstrates his leaping ability to Lorquas Ptomel.

### Sola

Acts as Carter's guide and foster mother to a young Martian; she trains both Carter and the child together.

### Tars Tarkas

Explains the incubator process to Lorquas Ptomel and calls Carter to demonstrate his leaping prowess.

### Lorquas Ptomel

The jed (chieftain) who oversees the hatching ceremony and grunts approval at Carter's leap.

## Key lines

> I believe this horrible system which has been carried on for ages is the direct cause of the loss of all the finer feelings and higher humanitarian instincts among these poor creatures.

Carter thinks that the Martians' lack of parental love has stripped them of compassion and humanity.

_Reflects Carter's moral judgment on Martian society._

> The work of rearing young, green Martians consists solely in teaching them to talk, and to use the weapons of warfare with which they are loaded down from the very first year of their lives.

Young Martians are only taught speech and combat skills, starting from infancy.

_Highlights the utilitarian and militaristic nature of Martian upbringing._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_princess_of_mars_se/chapters/vii-child-raising-on-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