A Princess of Mars · Chapter
At the Arizona Cave explained
John Carter awakens in a cave on Earth, clothed and surrounded by a macabre scene of a mummified old woman and hanging skeletons.
What happens
John Carter awakens in a cave on Earth, clothed and surrounded by a macabre scene of a mummified old woman and hanging skeletons. He realizes he has returned to Arizona after ten years on Mars, and he is filled with sorrow and longing for Dejah Thoris and his Martian life. Despite his wealth from the old mine, he remains consumed by his love and hope of returning to Mars.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Romance
John Carter's profound longing for Dejah Thoris drives his despair and hope, highlighting the theme of undying love across worlds.
Alienation and Belonging
Carter feels alienated on Earth, yearning for his true home on Mars with Dejah Thoris.
Characters to notice
- John Carter
Narrator who awakens in the Arizona cave, reflecting on his return to Earth and his enduring love for Dejah Thoris.
- Dejah Thoris
John Carter's lost love, whose fate on Mars he desperately wonders about.
- Tardos Mors
Jeddak of Helium, mentioned in Carter's thoughts about the palace and the fate of Dejah Thoris.
Key passages
“I would rather lie dead beside her there than live on Earth all those millions of terrible miles from her.”
He would prefer to die next to Dejah Thoris on Mars than to continue living on Earth so far away from her.
Expresses Carter's deep devotion and despair.
“For ten years I have waited and prayed for an answer to my questions. For ten years I have waited and prayed to be taken back to the world of my lost love.”
For a decade, he has hoped and begged for a sign or a chance to return to Mars and his beloved.
Highlights the passage of time and his unwavering hope.