XVIII: We Abandon Hope explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Fate and Destiny

  The men's hope is repeatedly deferred, yet a chance discovery of the stone ring suggests a destined escape.

• Greed and Wealth

  Quatermain refuses to abandon the basket of diamonds, reflecting the allure of treasure even in mortal danger.

Characters to notice

• Sir Henry Curtis

  Shows strength and leadership, pulling the stone ring with all his might.

• Captain John Good

  Perseveres in searching for a draft, discovers the hollow floor, and uses his knife and handkerchief to help lift the ring.

• Allan Quatermain

  Narrates the ordeal, initially despairing but ultimately assisting in the escape effort.

• Foulata

  Mentioned as deceased; her bones remain in the treasure chamber.

• Infadoos

  Appears at the end, weeping for joy as the men emerge from the pit.

Key passages

• “We were utterly perplexed, till suddenly it struck Good that when I had lit the match the draught of the passage blew the flame to the left. 'Let us go against the draught,' he said; 'air draws inwards, not outwards.'”

  Good realized the air current indicated a way out, so they followed it.

  Shows Good's practical reasoning in a desperate situation.

• “One might as well die rich as poor, I reflected.”

  Quatermain decided to keep the diamonds even in the face of death.

  Highlights the theme of greed and wealth.

• “Infadoos, Infadoos! it is we, thy friends.' He rose; he ran to us, staring wildly, and still shaking with fear. 'Oh, my lords, my lords, it is indeed you come back from the dead!⁠—come back from the dead!'”

  Infadoos was terrified but overjoyed to see them alive.

  Emphasizes the emotional reunion and the men's miraculous survival.