# II: Slavery explained — Thuvia, Maid of Mars

> Chapter companion for Thuvia, Maid of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## What happens

A spy infiltrates the palace of Ptarth by posing as a servant, then visits the Dusarian embassy to deliver a message. That night, Thuvia of Ptarth is abducted from her garden by Dusarian warriors. Meanwhile, Vas Kor, a Dusarian noble, disguises himself as a slave and is sold into the household of Carthoris, Prince of Helium.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Intrigue and War

The chapter details a covert operation involving espionage, abduction, and infiltration, escalating tensions between Ptarth and Dusar.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

A spy infiltrates the palace under the guise of a servant, and Vas Kor betrays his noble status by posing as a slave to enter Carthoris' household.

### Gender and Power

Thuvia is abducted from her garden, highlighting her vulnerability as a princess despite her status, and her silence before the abduction suggests complex emotions.

## Character check-ins

### Thuvia of Ptarth

Strolls in the palace gardens, is abducted by Dusarian warriors.

### Carthoris of Helium

Mentioned as the prince who declared his love; his flier is seen approaching Ptarth; he is the principal bidder at the slave market.

### Vas Kor

A Dusarian noble who disguises himself as a slave and is sold into Carthoris' household.

### Astok of Dusar

Referred to as 'the prince' whose plan is being executed; orchestrates the abduction.

## Key lines

> The intellects of our ancestors are with us tonight.

Our ancestors' wisdom guides us this evening.

_A Dusarian warrior comments on the success of their plan._

> Man builds naught that man may not destroy.

Anything created by humans can be undone by humans.

_Reflection on the nature of locks and security._

> Only a genius could have evolved such a lock as this is designed to spring.

Only a genius could have designed a lock that works this way.

_Admiration for the lock's intricate design._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/thuvia_maid_of_mars_se/chapters/ii-slavery
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/thuvia_maid_of_mars_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/thuvia_maid_of_mars_se/chapters