# XXII: I Find Dejah explained — A Princess of Mars

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_princess_of_mars_se/chapters/xxii-i-find-dejah
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_princess_of_mars_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_princess_of_mars_se/chapters