Edgar Rice Burroughs’ ‘A Princess of Mars

Edgar Rice Burroughs’ “A Princess of Mars” remains a cornerstone of early planetary romance, captivating readers with its imaginative depiction of a dying Mars, known as Barsoom. This analysis explores the novel’s narrative strengths, thematic underpinnings, and its place within the science fiction canon, offering a considered perspective for contemporary readers.

John Locke by A Princess Of Mars: Quick Answer

• “A Princess of Mars” is a foundational work of planetary romance, celebrated for its fast-paced adventure and vivid world-building on a fantastical Mars.
• While a landmark in early sci-fi, its character development and narrative conventions may feel dated to modern readers accustomed to different literary styles.
• The novel provides a compelling, albeit archetypal, exploration of heroism, survival, and romance against an alien backdrop, making it historically significant.

Who This Is For

• Readers interested in the historical evolution of science fiction and the development of the planetary romance subgenre.
• Those seeking an adventurous, escapist narrative focused on action, exotic settings, and archetypal heroes.

What to Check First

• Publication Context: Written in 1912, the novel reflects the literary styles, scientific understanding, and societal norms of its era.
• Genre Conventions: This is a prime example of “planetary romance,” prioritizing adventure and exoticism over strict scientific realism or complex character psychology.
• Narrative Focus: The story prioritizes plot and action. Readers who prefer deep character studies or intricate thematic exploration might find it less engaging.
• Scientific Speculation: Burroughs’ depiction of Mars is imaginative speculation, not a scientifically accurate portrayal based on contemporary knowledge.

Step-by-Step Plan for Understanding ‘A Princess of Mars’

1. Engage with the Premise: Begin by reading the opening chapters detailing John Carter’s mysterious transition to Mars.

• Action: Read the first 50 pages.
• What to look for: Carter’s disorientation, the introduction of Martian physiology, and the immediate establishment of conflict and survival stakes.
• Mistake: Assuming the scientific explanations for Carter’s enhanced abilities are based on modern physics; they are rooted in early 20th-century imaginative speculation.

2. Observe Barsoom’s World-Building: Pay close attention to Burroughs’ descriptions of the Martian environment, its inhabitants, and their societal structures.

• Action: Note recurring details about Martian cities, flora, fauna, and distinct species like the Tharks.
• What to look for: The stark contrasts between different Martian societies and the underlying logic of survival in a dying world.
• Mistake: Overlooking the potential allegorical elements of Barsoom’s decline, which can be interpreted as commentary on ecological or societal collapse.

3. Follow John Carter’s Arc: Track Carter’s adaptation and rise to prominence on Mars, focusing on his physical prowess and moral development within the narrative.

• Action: Identify key challenges Carter overcomes and the alliances he forms.
• What to look for: The evolution of Carter from a disillusioned Earthman to a heroic figure on Barsoom.
• Mistake: Judging Carter’s actions solely by contemporary ethical standards without considering the novel’s context of heroic archetypes and pulp adventure.

4. Analyze the Romance Element: Examine the role of Dejah Thoris and the development of Carter’s relationship with her.

• Action: Assess the portrayal of their courtship and the obstacles they face.
• What to look for: How the romantic subplot drives the plot and influences Carter’s motivations.
• Mistake: Expecting a nuanced romantic dynamic; Burroughs’ approach is more archetypal and serves the adventure narrative.

5. Assess Pacing and Action: Evaluate the novel’s reliance on action sequences and its overall narrative momentum.

• Action: Identify the frequency and impact of combat and chase scenes.
• What to look for: The effectiveness of the action in maintaining reader engagement.
• Mistake: Underestimating the appeal of fast-paced adventure for the intended audience and historical period of pulp fiction.

6. Consider Thematic Undertones: Look for underlying themes beyond the surface adventure.

• Action: Reflect on concepts like survival, honor, destiny, and the clash of civilizations.
• What to look for: How these themes are presented through characters and plot.
• Mistake: Dismissing the novel as mere pulp fiction without acknowledging its exploration of universal human struggles in an alien context.

7. Evaluate the Legacy: Reflect on the novel’s influence on subsequent science fiction and its place in literary history.

• Action: Consider why “A Princess of Mars” continues to be read and adapted.
• What to look for: Its pioneering role in establishing tropes and expectations for the genre.
• Mistake: Judging its literary merit solely against contemporary standards, ignoring its groundbreaking impact at the time of its release.

For those seeking a quick overview of ‘A Princess of Mars,’ this section provides a concise summary of its strengths and potential drawbacks.

John Carter in 'A Princess of Mars': Barsoom Series, Book 1

• Audible Audiobook
• Edgar Rice Burroughs (Author) - Scott Brick (Narrator)
• English (Publication Language)
• 02/16/2012 (Publication Date) - Tantor Audio (Publisher)

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John Locke by A Princess Of Mars: Philosophical Echoes and Divergences

While Edgar Rice Burroughs’ “A Princess of Mars” is primarily an adventure novel, a deeper examination reveals subtle echoes of philosophical thought, particularly in its portrayal of societal structures and individual agency. The concept of establishing a just society, a cornerstone of John Locke’s political philosophy, finds an indirect counterpoint in the brutal, survivalist societies depicted on Barsoom. Locke argued for natural rights and a social contract based on consent, principles starkly absent in the hierarchical and often violent Martian civilizations.

The novel presents a world where strength and cunning dictate survival, a far cry from Locke’s emphasis on reason and inherent human dignity. John Carter, through his superior Earth-based intellect and physical adaptation, effectively imposes a form of order

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