# With Dejah Thoris explained — A Princess of Mars > Chapter companion for A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs. ## What happens John Carter arranges for Sola to guard Dejah Thoris and moves them to new quarters, where he learns more about Thark hierarchy and Martian history from Dejah Thoris. They explore the ancient city of Korad, and Dejah Thoris explains the origins of the red Martian race. Carter is summoned by Lorquas Ptomel, and they suspect Sarkoja of eavesdropping. ## Themes in this chapter ### Alienation and Belonging John Carter and Dejah Thoris discuss their origins and differences, highlighting Carter's alienation from both Earth and Mars, while Dejah Thoris finds kinship with him despite his otherworldly nature. ### Honor and Custom Thark customs regarding killing women and the hierarchy of chieftains are explained, showing the rigid social codes that govern behavior. ### Civilization vs. Barbarism The contrast between the advanced ancient Martian civilization and the current Thark barbarism is explored through the art and history of Korad. ## Character check-ins ### John Carter Takes charge of Dejah Thoris's protection, threatens Sarkoja, learns about Thark rank structure, and discusses Martian history with Dejah Thoris. ### Dejah Thoris Moves to new quarters with Sola, shares Martian history and legends with John Carter, and expresses her trust in him. ### Sola Assigned to guard Dejah Thoris, helps find new quarters, and reports seeing Sarkoja descending from their rooms. ### Sarkoja Threatened by John Carter, departs to plot against them, and is suspected of eavesdropping on Carter and Dejah Thoris. ### Tars Tarkas Mentioned as second in rank to Lorquas Ptomel; present in the audience chamber when Carter is summoned. ### Lorquas Ptomel Summons John Carter to appear before him in the audience chamber. ## Key lines > Waving the women away, I informed them that Sola would attend the captive hereafter, and I further warned Sarkoja that any more of her cruel attentions bestowed upon Dejah Thoris would result in Sarkoja’s sudden and painful demise. John Carter dismisses the female guards and tells them Sola will take over, then threatens Sarkoja with death if she harms Dejah Thoris again. _Carter asserts his authority and protection over Dejah Thoris._ > You are a great chieftain now, John Carter, and I must do your bidding, though indeed I am glad to do it under any circumstances. Sola acknowledges John Carter's new status as a chieftain and willingly follows his orders. _Sola recognizes Carter's rise in Thark society._ > And whereto, then, would your prisoner escape should you leave her, unless it was to follow you and crave your protection, and ask your pardon for the cruel thoughts she has harbored against you these past few days? Dejah Thoris tells John Carter that she would not try to escape but would instead follow him for protection and apologize for her earlier suspicions. _Dejah Thoris expresses trust and affection for Carter._ > These three great divisions of the higher Martians had been forced into a mighty alliance as the drying up of the Martian seas had compelled them to seek the comparatively few and always diminishing fertile areas, and to defend themselves, under new conditions of life, against the wild hordes of green men. Dejah Thoris explains that the three ancient Martian races united due to the drying seas and the need to defend against green Martians. _Background on the formation of the red Martian race._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_princess_of_mars_se/chapters/xi-with-dejah-thoris - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_princess_of_mars_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_princess_of_mars_se/chapters