Pellucidar · Chapter
Shooting the Chutes—and After explained
David Innes and Abner Perry, having crossed the Mountains of the Clouds, descend into a warm jungle and follow a river to the Lural Az sea.
What happens
David Innes and Abner Perry, having crossed the Mountains of the Clouds, descend into a warm jungle and follow a river to the Lural Az sea. They spot the island of Anoroc, their goal, but must build a canoe to reach it. Perry constructs an elaborate 'imperial navy' vessel, reflecting on David's role as emperor of Pellucidar and the setbacks caused by Hooja's treachery. They launch successfully, and after a perilous sleep, continue their journey toward Ja the Mezop and the road to Sari.
Themes in this chapter
Exploration and Discovery
David and Perry cross the Mountains of the Clouds and discover the route to Anoroc, emphasizing the drive to explore unknown territories.
Power and Empire Building
David's reflections on his imperial role, the federation of tribes, and the construction of an 'imperial navy' highlight the theme of empire.
Survival and Resilience
The protagonists survive a perilous descent, hunger, and wild beasts, demonstrating resilience in a hostile environment.
Technology and Progress
Perry's attempt to build a scientific canoe and his earlier gunpowder experiment illustrate the theme of technological innovation.
Characters to notice
- David Innes
Narrator and emperor of Pellucidar; reflects on his imperial duties and the need to rebuild the federation after Hooja's betrayal.
- Abner Perry
Prime minister and inventor; builds a scientific canoe for the imperial navy, and survives the slide down the mountains with David.
- Ja the Mezop
Old friend and target of the journey; David seeks him on the island of Anoroc.
- Hooja the Sly One
Mentioned as the treacherous figure whose actions set back the empire during David's absence.
Key passages
“He has an axiom which carries the thought-kernel that what man has done, man can do, and it doesn’t cut any figure with Perry whether a fellow knows how to do it or not.”
Perry believes that if something has been accomplished before, it can be done again, regardless of whether the person attempting it has the necessary knowledge.
Highlights Perry's optimistic and resourceful character.
“I pointed out to Perry that it wasn’t much more incongruous for the emperor to cruise in a canoe, than it was for the prime minister to attempt to build one with his own hands.”
David joked that it was no stranger for an emperor to sail in a canoe than for a prime minister to build one himself.
Shows the humorous dynamic between David and Perry regarding their roles.