“I am a very old man; how old I do not know. It is quite possible I am a hundred years old, or a thousand, for all I know.”
— John Carter's opening reflection on his age and mysterious past.
Archivist's Choice
A Princess of Mars
Edgar Rice Burroughs (2016)
Genre
Fantasy / Science Fiction / Romance
Reading Time
150 min
Key Themes
See below
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A Confederate veteran is inexplicably transported to Mars, where his Earth-honed strength makes him a chieftain among green-skinned giants and the only hope for a captive red princess.
Synopsis
John Carter, a Confederate veteran, mysteriously transports to Mars (Barsoom) and finds himself on a world of warring races. Due to Mars's lower gravity, Carter has superhuman strength, making him a formidable warrior. He is captured by the green-skinned, six-limbed Tharks, a nomadic and warlike race. Among his captors, he meets Dejah Thoris, the beautiful, human-like princess of the city-state of Helium, who is also a prisoner.
Carter's strength and cleverness earn him respect among the Tharks, especially from Tars Tarkas, a chieftain who secretly has compassion. Carter, driven by his growing affection for Dejah Thoris, plans their escape and sets out to return her to Helium. Along the way, he navigates the politics and brutal customs of Barsoom, fighting various creatures and tribes. After many adventures and battles, Carter and Tars Tarkas form an alliance, rescue Dejah Thoris, and return her to Helium, where Carter becomes a respected leader. However, a crisis arises when the planet's atmosphere-generating plant begins to fail, threatening all life on Barsoom. Carter takes on a dangerous mission to repair the plant, saving the planet, but is then inexplicably transported back to Earth, leaving behind his new life and love.
Reading time
150 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Fast
Mood
Adventurous, Romantic, Exotic, Action-packed
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy classic pulp sci-fi adventures with a clear hero, damsel in distress, and exotic alien worlds.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer modern science fiction with complex themes, nuanced characters, and less straightforward narratives, or if you are sensitive to dated cultural depictions.
Plot Summary
A Mysterious Journey to Mars
John Carter, a Virginian gentleman and former Confederate captain, recounts his mysterious journey to Mars. After prospecting for gold in Arizona and escaping Apache pursuit, he seeks refuge in a cave. Overcome by a strange paralysis, he finds himself staring at the red planet. When he recovers, he discovers his physical body is still in the cave, but his consciousness has been transported to Mars. He immediately notices the planet's lower gravity, which gives him superhuman strength and leaping ability, though he initially struggles with coordination. He observes the desolate landscape and the two moons of Barsoom.
Encounter with the Tharks
Soon after arriving, John Carter encounters a horde of green-skinned, four-armed, six-limbed Martian giants known as Tharks. Despite their initial hostility, his unusual appearance and incredible strength, a result of Earth's higher gravity conditioning, impress them. He is captured and taken to their fortress. Among the Tharks, he meets Sola, a relatively compassionate female Thark who is assigned to care for him. Through observation and Sola's subtle guidance, Carter begins to learn the Thark language and their brutal, warlike customs, which prioritize strength and indifference to emotion.
A Princess in Captivity
During a raid, the Tharks capture a group of red Martians, including the beautiful Princess Dejah Thoris of Helium. John Carter is immediately captivated by her beauty and grace, a stark contrast to the harsh Thark environment. He feels a powerful urge to protect her. Dejah Thoris is defiant and proud, refusing to submit to her captors. Carter, using his superior strength, intervenes to save her from a cruel Thark warrior, showing his chivalry and earning respect from both Dejah Thoris and the Tharks, especially Sola and the chieftain Tars Tarkas.
Rising Among the Tharks
John Carter's fighting skills and strategic thinking quickly raise his status among the Tharks. He engages in a duel with Ma Haud, a formidable Thark warrior, and defeats him, further solidifying his reputation. He forms an unlikely friendship with Tars Tarkas, a powerful Thark chieftain, who is intrigued by Carter's honor and courage, qualities rare among his own people. Carter also learns of Tars Tarkas's secret sorrow: the loss of his mate, Go-lia, and their daughter, Sola, showing the suppressed emotions within Thark society.
Escape from Warhoon
The Tharks, along with their captives including John Carter and Dejah Thoris, travel to the city of Warhoon to meet with a rival green Martian tribe. During a skirmish, Carter and Dejah Thoris seize an opportunity to escape. They flee into the Martian wilderness, pursued by both Tharks and Warhoons. Their journey is dangerous, forcing them to rely on each other for survival against the harsh Martian environment, dangerous creatures, and constant threat of recapture. This shared ordeal deepens their bond and mutual respect.
The Pit of Tharks and Jeds
While escaping, John Carter and Dejah Thoris fall into a hidden pit, a trapping device for Martian creatures. They are separated, with Carter falling deeper into the complex underground system. Dejah Thoris is recaptured by the Warhoons, while Carter encounters a terrifying, ape-like creature which he defeats. He eventually finds his way out, only to learn of Dejah Thoris's renewed captivity. His determination to rescue her intensifies, driving him to confront new dangers and seek out her whereabouts.
Alliance with Tars Tarkas
John Carter, after much searching, reunites with Tars Tarkas. He learns that Sarkoja, a cruel Thark, has usurped Tars Tarkas's position and is responsible for many injustices. Carter aids Tars Tarkas in a dramatic challenge, helping him defeat Sarkoja and reclaim his rightful place as Jeddak (chieftain) of the Tharks. During this time, Tars Tarkas reveals to Carter the truth about his mate, Go-lia, and their daughter, Sola, confirming his suppressed emotional capacity and solidifying their bond of friendship and loyalty.
Rescue of Dejah Thoris and Helium
With Tars Tarkas's support, John Carter leads a group of Tharks to the city of Zodanga, where Dejah Thoris is being held captive and forced into a marriage with Sab Than, the Jeddak of Zodanga. Carter's strategic brilliance and the Tharks' ferocity lead to a decisive victory against Zodanga. He frees Dejah Thoris and helps to unite the Heliumite forces with the Tharks, forming a powerful alliance against their common enemies. This act cements his heroic status among both red and green Martians.
Jeddak of Helium
Following the defeat of Zodanga and the established alliance, John Carter marries Dejah Thoris in a grand ceremony, solidifying his place within Martian society. He is granted the title of Prince of Helium and becomes a beloved and respected leader. For ten years, Carter and Dejah Thoris live happily, during which time they have a son, Carthoris. Carter dedicates himself to the prosperity and defense of Helium, proving himself a capable statesman and warrior, deeply devoted to his new family and planet.
The Atmosphere Plant Crisis
After ten years, a catastrophic crisis befalls Barsoom: the planet's atmosphere, artificially sustained by a vast atmosphere-generating plant, begins to fail. The plant's operators, the Thern, have mysteriously disappeared, and the machinery is grinding to a halt, threatening all life on Mars with suffocation. The air becomes thin and cold, causing widespread panic and despair among the Martian populace. John Carter recognizes the urgency of the situation and knows that only immediate action can prevent total annihilation.
A Perilous Mission
John Carter, understanding the dire consequences of the failing atmosphere, volunteers for the dangerous mission to reach the atmosphere plant, located in a remote and heavily guarded region. He knows the journey is fraught with peril, not only from the hostile environment but also from the mysterious Thern, who are believed to guard the plant. His mission is to bypass the security, understand the plant's workings, and restart it before Barsoom becomes uninhabitable, a race against time for the survival of the entire planet.
The Plant's Secrets and Return to Earth
John Carter successfully infiltrates the atmosphere plant, encountering numerous traps and challenges. He discovers the mechanisms and, using his ingenuity, manages to restart the plant, saving Barsoom from certain death. However, as he attempts to leave the plant, a strange force or mechanism within the plant itself, perhaps designed to protect its secrets, inexplicably transports him back to Earth, leaving him once again in the Arizona cave where his journey began, his heart aching for Dejah Thoris and his adopted planet.
Principal Figures
John Carter
The Protagonist
Transforms from an Earth-bound adventurer to a revered Martian hero and prince, finding love and a new home on a distant planet.
Dejah Thoris
The Love Interest / Supporting
Begins as a captive princess, becomes a steadfast ally and beloved wife, finding her own strength and leadership alongside Carter.
Tars Tarkas
The Supporting
Starts as a typical brutal Thark warrior, but through Carter's influence, he reclaims his hidden compassion and becomes a loyal ally.
Sola
The Supporting
Develops from a timid, outcast Thark to a brave and loyal friend who openly expresses her emotions.
Tardos Mors
The Supporting
Remains a steadfast and wise leader, eventually embracing John Carter as a worthy successor and family member.
Mors Kajak
The Supporting
A strong and dependable leader who supports his family and his city-state.
Sab Than
The Antagonist
Serves as the primary antagonist, whose defeat brings about a temporary peace and the rise of Carter.
Sarkoja
The Antagonist / Mentioned
Her malice and cruelty lead to her eventual downfall and the revelation of her past actions.
Themes & Insights
The Noble Savage and Civilized Man
The novel explores the contrast of primitive, warlike societies (Tharks) with more advanced, cultured ones (red Martians). John Carter, a 'civilized' man from Earth, finds common ground and even nobility within the 'savage' Tharks, especially Tars Tarkas and Sola, who have hidden depths of emotion and honor. Conversely, the 'civilized' red Martians are shown to be capable of war and intrigue, challenging simple ideas of civilization. This theme is clear when Carter, despite his initial revulsion, forms a deep bond with Tars Tarkas, recognizing his good qualities.
“And in the eyes of my Thark friend I read a message which, though unintelligible, was yet as strong as though it had been spoken.”
Love and Loyalty Across Cultures
A central theme is the powerful bond of love and loyalty that crosses species and cultural divides. John Carter's devotion to Dejah Thoris drives much of the plot, inspiring him to brave countless dangers. Similarly, his friendship with Tars Tarkas, forged through mutual respect and shared experience, shows how loyalty can bridge the gap between different societies. Sola's loyalty to Carter, despite the Thark rule against emotion, further highlights this theme. These relationships show the universal nature of these feelings.
“I knew that in all the universe there was no other for me than Dejah Thoris, and I would have sacrificed a thousand lives for her.”
Adaptation and Survival
John Carter's journey is a display of human adaptability. Transported to an alien world with different gravity, atmosphere, and customs, he quickly learns to navigate its challenges. His Earth-born strength becomes an advantage, but his true survival depends on his intelligence, quick thinking, and willingness to learn the language and social structures of Barsoom. This theme is constantly present as Carter learns to jump, fight, and even lead in a world entirely foreign to him, showing the resilience of the human spirit in extreme circumstances.
“I was an absolute stranger in a strange land, but I was a fighter; I was a Virginian.”
The Power of Chivalry and Honor
John Carter embodies the ideals of chivalry and honor, which are often lacking in the brutal Martian societies. His actions, such as protecting Dejah Thoris from harm, fighting fair, and keeping his word, consistently set him apart. These qualities earn him respect and admiration from both the red Martians and even some Tharks, ultimately enabling him to form alliances and achieve his goals. His honor guides him through the moral complexities of Barsoom.
“I was not of their race, but I was a man, and a man's honor is his life.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Astral Projection / Interspecies Transportation
John Carter's mysterious transfer of consciousness to Mars.
This device immediately establishes the fantastical premise of the story. John Carter's physical body remains on Earth, while his consciousness (or 'astral form') is transported to Mars. This allows him to experience Mars directly without the logistical challenges of space travel in the early 20th century. It also sets up his eventual, equally mysterious return, leaving an open-ended question about the nature of his journey and creating a sense of wonder and cosmic mystery.
The Unnatural Strength of John Carter
Earth's gravity grants Carter superhuman abilities on Mars.
This is a key plot device that provides John Carter with an immediate advantage on Barsoom. Due to Earth's higher gravitational pull, his muscles are overdeveloped compared to Martians, granting him superhuman strength and the ability to leap great distances. This allows him to survive initial encounters, impress the Tharks, and perform heroic feats that would otherwise be impossible, instantly establishing him as a formidable force in the Martian landscape and a unique individual.
The Atmosphere Plant
A critical, vulnerable technology sustaining all life on Barsoom.
The atmosphere plant serves as a crucial MacGuffin and a ticking clock device in the later stages of the novel. It highlights the technological advancement and fragility of Martian civilization, as all life depends on this single, vulnerable mechanism. Its failure creates a planet-wide existential threat, providing a powerful motivation for John Carter's final heroic mission and raising the stakes to their absolute highest, impacting every inhabitant of Barsoom.
Language Barrier and Acquisition
Carter's initial inability to communicate and subsequent mastery of Martian languages.
The language barrier is initially a source of conflict and misunderstanding, emphasizing Carter's alien status. His gradual acquisition of the Thark and then the red Martian languages, primarily through observation and the help of Sola, is a vital plot device. It allows him to integrate into Martian society, understand their customs, forge alliances, and participate in complex political and military strategies, moving him from an outsider to an integral part of Barsoom.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“I have always been a fighter. I have never known when to quit.”
— John Carter describing his inherent nature and resilience.
“I saw at a glance that my fifty years on Earth had been but a preparation for the life that awaited me on Mars.”
— John Carter's realization upon arriving on Mars and discovering his enhanced abilities.
“I was a stranger in a strange land, but I was not afraid.”
— John Carter's initial feelings of confidence and fearlessness on Barsoom.
“My first impression of the Tharks was that they were a race of giants.”
— John Carter's initial observation of the green Martian warriors.
“I learned to love Dejah Thoris with a love that passeth all understanding.”
— John Carter expressing his profound love for the Heliumite princess.
“A people that has been taught to believe that the only honorable death is to fall in battle, and that the only true life is the life of the warrior.”
— John Carter's description of the Thark philosophy on life and death.
“I was a slave, but I was a slave with a purpose.”
— John Carter reflecting on his captive status among the Tharks, but with a goal in mind.
“I have no doubt that if I had not fallen in love with Dejah Thoris, I would have been content to remain with the Tharks forever.”
— John Carter acknowledging the strong bond he formed with the Tharks, only surpassed by his love for Dejah Thoris.
“The only difference between a hero and a coward is that the hero is afraid, but he goes on anyway.”
— An undercurrent theme of courage despite fear, exemplified by John Carter.
“For nine long years I have been separated from you, and now I am here again, never to leave you more.”
— John Carter's emotional reunion with Dejah Thoris after his forced return to Earth.
“It is a strange world, my masters, a world of wonders and of horrors.”
— John Carter's general reflection on the nature of Barsoom.
“I was a fighting man, and I knew that my only chance for life lay in fighting.”
— John Carter's frequent reliance on his combat skills for survival.
“Love, it is said, is blind, but it is also a great teacher.”
— John Carter's understanding of love's transformative power.
“The greatest danger lies not in the unknown, but in the refusal to face it.”
— A philosophical observation on courage and facing challenges.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
The book follows John Carter, a Virginian and former Confederate captain, who is mysteriously transported to Mars (Barsoom). There, due to the planet's lower gravity, he gains superhuman strength and agility, becoming embroiled in the conflicts between various Martian races and ultimately fighting to protect the princess Dejah Thoris.
About the author
Edgar Rice Burroughs was an American writer, best known for his prolific output in the adventure, science fiction, and fantasy genres. Best-known for creating the characters Tarzan and John Carter, he also wrote the Pellucidar series, the Amtor series, and the Caspak trilogy.
