King Solomon’s Mines · Chapter
VII: Solomon's Road explained
The explorers discover the frozen corpse of José da Silvestra, the 300-year-old Portuguese explorer, in a cave.
What happens
The explorers discover the frozen corpse of José da Silvestra, the 300-year-old Portuguese explorer, in a cave. They then find the magnificent man-made road leading down from the mountains into Kukuanaland. After descending, they encounter Infadoos and Scragga, who are awed by their appearance and technology. Good is forced to maintain his bare-legged, eyeglass-wearing persona to preserve their mystique. The chapter ends with the group enjoying a peaceful meal in a paradise-like grove.
Themes in this chapter
Adventure and Exploration
The discovery of da Silvestra's corpse and the ancient road underscores the peril and wonder of penetrating unknown lands.
Superstition and Magic
The explorers are mistaken for supernatural beings due to their guns, eyeglass, and pale skin; Quatermain plays up this perception with a threatening speech.
Colonialism and Imperialism
The explorers assume authority over the Kukuana people, using technology and deception to maintain control and awe.
Characters to notice
- Sir Henry Curtis
Kneels to examine the frozen corpse, fearing it might be his brother; breaks the crucifix from da Silvestra's neck; comments on the Egyptian or Phoenician handiwork of the road.
- Captain John Good
Identifies the corpse as José da Silvestra; argues about keeping his trousers; is forced to remain in flannel shirt, boots, and eyeglass to maintain the group's mystique.
- Allan Quatermain
Takes the bone pen used by da Silvestra; delivers a threatening speech to Infadoos and Scragga; reflects on the dangers of exploration.
- Ignosi (Umbopa)
Translates Good's protest about his clothes to Infadoos; acts as intermediary between the explorers and the Kukuana people.
- Infadoos
Introduces himself as son of Kafa; expresses awe at the explorers' magic; agrees to lead them to King Twala.
- Scragga
Introduced as son of King Twala; Good makes a pun about his name ('He nearly scragged me').
Key passages
“Outside the cavern we halted, feeling rather foolish. 'I am going back,' said Sir Henry. 'Why?' asked Good. 'Because it has struck me that—what we saw—may be my brother.'”
The group stops outside the cave, and Sir Henry decides to return because he fears the frozen corpse might be his brother George.
This reveals Sir Henry's personal stakes in the expedition.
“Why, the old Dom, José da Silvestra, of course—who else?”
Good identifies the corpse as the 300-year-old Portuguese explorer José da Silvestra.
This confirms the historical connection to the legend of Solomon's Mines.
“Let not my lord of the transparent Eye and the melting Teeth touch them. Surely his slave shall carry the things.”
Infadoos insists that Good's clothes be carried by a servant, not touched by Good himself, to preserve his mystical image.
This shows how the explorers' appearance is interpreted as supernatural by the Kukuana.