The Warlord of Mars · Chapter
The Pit of Plenty explained
John Carter is thrown into the Pit of Plenty by Salensus Oll, but is aided by a Marentinian ally via a signal ring.
What happens
John Carter is thrown into the Pit of Plenty by Salensus Oll, but is aided by a Marentinian ally via a signal ring. After a day of darkness, he is tantalized by a vision of food and drink that disappears. He is later brought to trial, where Thurid reveals his disguise, leading to a confrontation. Dejah Thoris declares her love and loyalty to John Carter, refusing Salensus Oll's proposal. The chapter ends with John Carter being subdued after a fierce fight.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Loyalty
Dejah Thoris's unwavering declaration of love for John Carter, even in the face of death and forced marriage.
Courage in the Face of Death
John Carter fights against overwhelming odds in the audience chamber, and the Marentinian ally whispers 'Courage' before his descent into the pit.
Deception and Disguise
John Carter's disguise as a yellow Okarian is revealed by Thurid, and the use of the signal ring to identify allies.
Characters to notice
- John Carter
Imprisoned in the Pit of Plenty, later revealed by Thurid and fights against Salensus Oll's warriors.
- Dejah Thoris
Declares her love for John Carter and refuses to marry Salensus Oll, asserting her loyalty.
- Thurid
Reveals John Carter's disguise in the audience chamber, leading to chaos.
- Salensus Oll
Jeddak of Jeddaks who imprisons John Carter and attempts to force Dejah Thoris into marriage.
- Talu
Prince of Marentina whose gift ring signals an ally in the Okarian guard.
- Thuvan Dihn
Mentioned as having remained in the garden with Thuvia, his fate unknown.
Key passages
“Lives there upon any world such another as John Carter, Prince of Helium? Lives there another man who could fight his way back and forth across a warlike planet, facing savage beasts and hordes of savage men, for the love of a woman?”
Dejah Thoris asks if there is any other man as brave as John Carter, who would cross a war-torn world and face countless dangers for love.
Dejah Thoris's speech defending John Carter's heroism and her loyalty.
“I would rather be a slave with such as he than be Queen of Okar.”
Dejah Thoris declares she would prefer slavery with John Carter over being queen of Okar.
Her rejection of Salensus Oll's proposal.
“Courage!”
A single word of encouragement whispered by the Marentinian ally as John Carter is lowered into the pit.
The secret signal of support from the ally.