# Escape explained — Pellucidar

> Chapter companion for Pellucidar by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## What happens

David, Dian, and Juag are captured by Hooja's warriors but are rescued by Gr-gr-gr and his gorilla-men. After being freed, they retrieve their canoe and set out for the mainland. They hunt a thag for food and materials, but during the hunt Dian goes missing.

## Themes in this chapter

### Survival and Resilience

David, Dian, and Juag endure capture, escape, and a dangerous hunt, demonstrating their determination to survive.

### Love and Loyalty

David's concern for Dian's safety and her willingness to fight alongside him highlight their deep bond.

### Exploration and Discovery

David's desire to explore the great river and the group's journey through unfamiliar lands reflect the theme of discovery.

## Character check-ins

### David Innes

Narrator and protagonist; captured, rescued, and leads the hunting expedition.

### Dian the Beautiful

David's mate; carries a viper's fang for protection and disappears during the thag hunt.

### Juag

Companion to David; assists in the thag hunt and advises against crossing the river without supplies.

### Gr-gr-gr

Chief of the gorilla-men; rescues David and his party from Hooja's warriors.

### Hooja the Sly One

Antagonist; his warriors captured David, Dian, and Juag.

## Key lines

> I could see no ray of promise in the future—only immediate death for Juag and me, which didn’t concern me much in the face of what lay in store for Dian.

David felt hopeless, foreseeing only death for himself and Juag, but was more distressed by Dian's fate.

_David's despair and concern for Dian._

> It is always a foolish thing to contemplate suicide; for no matter how dark the future may appear today, tomorrow may hold for us that which will alter our whole life in an instant, revealing to us nothing but sunshine and happiness.

Suicide is unwise because the future can suddenly bring joy and change one's circumstances.

_David's reflection on the folly of suicide._

> Gr-gr-gr and all his people are your friends. One saw the warriors of the Sly One and followed them. He saw them capture you, and then he flew to the village as fast as he could go and told me all that he had seen. The rest you know. You did much for Gr-gr-gr and Gr-gr-gr’s people. We shall always do much for you.

Gr-gr-gr explains that his people rescued David because of past kindness, and they will always help him.

_Gr-gr-gr's loyalty and gratitude toward David._

> Ah, such a girl! A rightful empress of a stone age by every standard which two worlds might bring to measure her!

David admires Dian's courage and strength, considering her a true queen of the Stone Age.

_David's admiration for Dian._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pellucidar_se/chapters/xi-escape
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pellucidar_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/pellucidar_se/chapters