A Princess of Mars · Chapter
A Fair Captive from the Sky explained
The green Martians' procession home is interrupted by the sudden appearance of a fleet of twenty airships.
What happens
The green Martians' procession home is interrupted by the sudden appearance of a fleet of twenty airships. A fierce battle ensues, and the green warriors' deadly marksmanship forces the fleet to retreat, leaving one crippled vessel behind. The Tharks loot and burn the derelict ship, capturing a single prisoner: a beautiful, copper-skinned woman who resembles the women of Earth. John Carter sees her and feels an inexplicable connection, but his failure to respond to her signal leaves her in despair.
Themes in this chapter
Alienation and Belonging
John Carter feels a strange kinship with the unknown foemen and a deep yearning toward them, highlighting his sense of alienation among the green Martians.
Courage and Combat
The chapter details the fierce battle between the Tharks and the air fleet, emphasizing the warriors' deadly accuracy and the chaos of war.
Fate and Destiny
The arrival of the captive woman and John Carter's immediate connection to her suggests a fateful meeting that will shape his destiny on Mars.
Characters to notice
- John Carter
Observes the battle from a building, feels a strange yearning toward the unknown foemen, and is deeply moved by the sight of the captive woman.
- Sola
Rushes to John Carter after the battle, concerned for his safety, and accompanies him to the plaza.
- Woola
Follows John Carter closely as he descends to the street.
- Lorquas Ptomel
Orders the return to the city and decides to remain there for over a week due to fear of a return attack.
- Dejah Thoris
The captive from the sky, a beautiful copper-skinned woman who makes a sign to John Carter and is then dragged into a building.
Key passages
“As her gaze rested on me her eyes opened wide in astonishment, and she made a little sign with her free hand; a sign which I did not, of course, understand. Just a moment we gazed upon each other, and then the look of hope and renewed courage which had glorified her face as she discovered me, faded into one of utter dejection, mingled with loathing and contempt.”
When she saw me, her eyes widened in surprise and she gestured to me, but I didn't understand. For a moment we stared at each other; her hopeful expression turned to despair and contempt when I failed to respond.
John Carter's first encounter with Dejah Thoris, marked by misunderstanding and missed communication.