The Warlord of Mars · Chapter
X: In Durance explained
John Carter, disguised as an aspirant to the palace guard, witnesses Thurid's assault on Dejah Thoris in the garden of Salensus Oll.
What happens
John Carter, disguised as an aspirant to the palace guard, witnesses Thurid's assault on Dejah Thoris in the garden of Salensus Oll. He intervenes, defeating Thurid, but is later imprisoned. Dejah Thoris and Thuvia inexplicably reject Carter and Thuvan Dihn, leading to confusion and heartache. Salensus Oll develops a desire for Dejah Thoris, complicating the situation.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Disguise
John Carter maintains his disguise as a guard aspirant to avoid detection, while Thurid and Matai Shang manipulate the truth to their advantage.
Courage in the Face of Death
Dejah Thoris defiantly rejects Thurid's threats, asserting her willingness to die rather than submit, and John Carter risks exposure to save her.
Love and Loyalty
John Carter's unwavering love for Dejah Thoris drives him to act despite the danger, while her apparent rejection causes him profound anguish.
Characters to notice
- John Carter
Imprisoned and disguised as a guard aspirant; intervenes to save Dejah Thoris from Thurid; heartbroken by her apparent rejection.
- Dejah Thoris
Captive in the garden; rejects Thurid's advances and later spurns John Carter; object of Salensus Oll's desire.
- Thurid
Black dator of the First Born; attempts to force himself on Dejah Thoris; defeated by John Carter; conspires with Matai Shang.
- Salensus Oll
Yellow Jeddak of Okar; develops a sudden lust for Dejah Thoris; orders John Carter's imprisonment.
- Matai Shang
Father of Therns; allied with Thurid; watches the confrontation with malicious intent.
- Thuvia
Daughter of Thuvan Dihn; also rejects her father; attempts to aid Dejah Thoris against Thurid.
Key passages
“to one whom the Father of Therns has chosen—one who might even be a fit mate for the Jeddak of Jeddaks himself?”
Salensus Oll suggests that Dejah Thoris is destined for a high-ranking mate, possibly himself.
Reveals Salensus Oll's growing desire and the political stakes of Dejah Thoris's captivity.
“free!” he cried. “John Carter, Prince of Helium, is dead.” “I know better than that; but even were he dead, and I must needs choose another mate, it should be a plant man or a great white ape in preference to either Matai Shang or you, black calot,””
Thurid falsely claims John Carter is dead, but Dejah Thoris retorts that she would choose any creature over him or Matai Shang.
Demonstrates Dejah Thoris's loyalty to John Carter and her contempt for her captors.
“I could not stand idly by, O Jeddak, and see this thing done within the very palace grounds, and yet feel that I was fit to serve and guard your royal person.”
John Carter justifies his intervention by claiming it was his duty as a guard aspirant to protect the women.
Shows Carter's quick thinking to maintain his disguise and avoid suspicion.