A Princess of Mars · Chapter
XXII: I Find Dejah explained
John Carter, disguised as a Zodangan guardsman, discovers Dejah Thoris in the palace of Than Kosis.
What happens
John Carter, disguised as a Zodangan guardsman, discovers Dejah Thoris in the palace of Than Kosis. She has promised to marry Sab Than to save Helium from war, believing Carter dead. They meet secretly, and she explains Barsoomian customs of marriage and combat. Carter vows to claim her despite the obstacles, but Dejah insists it is too late due to her promise and the customs that forbid her marrying the slayer of her husband.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Custom
Dejah Thoris explains that Barsoomian custom makes her promise to Sab Than irrevocable, and that she cannot marry the man who kills her husband, even in self-defense. Custom rules all on Barsoom.
Love and Romance
Carter and Dejah Thoris confess their love, but are thwarted by her prior promise to Sab Than. Carter vows to claim her despite all obstacles.
Gender and Power
Dejah Thoris uses her position as princess to negotiate peace by offering herself in marriage, but is bound by customs that limit her agency after the promise is made.
Characters to notice
- John Carter
Disguised as a Zodangan guardsman, he finds Dejah Thoris and learns of her promise to marry Sab Than. He vows to claim her despite Barsoomian customs.
- Dejah Thoris
Believing Carter dead, she has promised herself to Sab Than to save Helium. She explains Barsoomian marriage customs and rejects Carter's plea due to her promise.
- Than Kosis
Jeddak of Zodanga, who accepts Dejah Thoris's change of heart and agrees to consider ending the war with Helium.
- Sab Than
Prince of Zodanga, eager to marry Dejah Thoris and end the war. He urges his father to make peace.
Key passages
“It is custom. We are ruled by custom upon Barsoom.”
Custom governs every aspect of life on Barsoom.
Dejah Thoris explains to Carter that Barsoomian customs are absolute and cannot be broken.
“I have promised my body to another to save my people from the curse of a victorious Zodangan army.”
I gave my word to marry Sab Than to prevent Helium's defeat.
Dejah Thoris reveals her sacrifice to protect her people from Zodangan conquest.
“You must bear the sorrow with me. That at least we may share in common.”
We can at least share our grief together.
Dejah Thoris tells Carter they must both endure the pain of their separation.