Thuvia, Maid of Mars · Chapter
The Hall of Doom explained
Thuvia is left alone with Tario, who attempts to use hypnotic suggestion to make her love him.
What happens
Thuvia is left alone with Tario, who attempts to use hypnotic suggestion to make her love him. She resists and stabs him when he tries to force himself on her. Bowmen appear but vanish when Tario loses consciousness. Carthoris arrives, and they are confronted by Jav, who reveals his ambition to become jeddak. Tario revives and accuses Jav of treason.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Obsession
Tario's obsessive desire for Thuvia drives him to use hypnotic coercion and physical force.
Reality vs. Illusion
The nature of reality is questioned as Tario and Jav debate whether Thuvia is real or a materialized figment.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Jav's hidden ambition to usurp Tario's throne is exposed, highlighting betrayal within Lothar.
Characters to notice
- Thuvia of Ptarth
Defends herself against Tario's advances and stabs him; resists hypnotic influence.
- Tario of Lothar
Attempts to hypnotize Thuvia and force her to love him; is stabbed and later revives.
- Carthoris of Helium
Arrives to rescue Thuvia; strikes Tario for threatening her.
- Jav
Enters and reveals his desire to become jeddak; is accused of treason by Tario.
Key passages
“By the fangs of Komal! But you are real! A real woman! No dream! No vain and foolish figment of the mind!”
Tario is astonished to realize Thuvia is a genuine living woman, not a mental projection.
Highlights the theme of reality vs. illusion and Tario's shock.
“I know naught of what you are prating! I am Thuvia, Princess of Ptarth. I am no man's 'creature.'”
Thuvia indignantly denies being a materialized being and asserts her royal identity.
Shows Thuvia's defiance and pride.
“However, he is dead now. Of that I am glad. Now shall Jav come into his own. Now shall Jav be Jeddak of Lothar!”
Jav reveals his ambition to become ruler after mistakenly believing Tario is dead.
Exposes Jav's treachery and sets up the conflict.