# XVIII: We Abandon Hope explained — King Solomon’s Mines

> Chapter companion for King Solomon’s Mines by H. Rider Haggard.

## What happens

Trapped in the treasure chamber, the trio abandons hope of escape until they discover a hidden stone ring beneath the floor. By working together, they manage to lift it, revealing a passage that offers a chance at survival.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/king_solomon_s_mines_se/chapters/xviii-we-abandon-hope
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/king_solomon_s_mines_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/king_solomon_s_mines_se/chapters