# The Pit of Plenty explained — The Warlord of Mars

> Chapter companion for The Warlord of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_warlord_of_mars_se/chapters/xi-the-pit-of-plenty
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_warlord_of_mars_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_warlord_of_mars_se/chapters