A Princess of Mars · Chapter
XIII: Lovemaking on Mars explained
John Carter trains his thoats with kindness, impressing Tars Tarkas and the Tharks, and is rewarded by Lorquas Ptomel.
What happens
John Carter trains his thoats with kindness, impressing Tars Tarkas and the Tharks, and is rewarded by Lorquas Ptomel. He spends time alone with Dejah Thoris, who reveals the Tharks' mistreatment of her and their attempts to keep them apart. Their intimate walk under the moons of Barsoom culminates in Carter's realization that he loves her.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Romance
Carter and Dejah Thoris share a private walk under the moons, culminating in Carter's realization of his love for her.
Survival and Adaptation
Carter adapts to Martian customs, trains thoats with kindness, and learns Tharkian warfare.
Honor and Custom
Tharkian customs of war, treatment of thoats, and the significance of Dejah Thoris' lineage are highlighted.
Characters to notice
- John Carter
Trains thoats with kindness, walks alone with Dejah Thoris, and realizes his love for her.
- Dejah Thoris
Reveals the Tharks' jealousy and mistreatment, shares an intimate walk with Carter, and calls him 'my chieftain.'
- Tars Tarkas
Instructs Carter in Tharkian warfare and riding, and learns Carter's method of training thoats.
- Sola
Accompanies Dejah Thoris on walks; Carter sends her away to be alone with Dejah Thoris.
- Lorquas Ptomel
Rewards Carter with a gold anklet for improving the thoats' training.
- Sarkoja
Spreads lies that Carter has become a true Thark; attempts to keep Carter and Dejah Thoris apart.
- Woola
Accompanies Sola and Dejah Thoris on their excursions for protection.
Key passages
“By kindness. You see, Tars Tarkas, the softer sentiments have their value, even to a warrior.”
Carter explains that treating thoats with kindness improves their obedience and his own fighting effectiveness.
Carter advocates for humane treatment of animals, contrasting with typical Thark brutality.
“Only in little ways, John Carter. Nothing that can harm me outside my pride.”
Dejah Thoris admits the Tharks mistreat her in small ways that wound her pride but not her body.
She reveals the Tharks' jealousy of her noble lineage.
“I loved Dejah Thoris. The touch of my arm upon her naked shoulder had spoken to me in words I would not mistake.”
Carter realizes he loves Dejah Thoris during their intimate walk under the moons.
This marks the pivotal romantic moment of the chapter.