Hey AI, help me outline A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs

2023-09-06 outline doasaisay

Certainly! “A Princess of Mars” by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a classic novel in the science fiction genre. Here’s an analysis based on the given framework:

Protagonist: John Carter

Origin Scene: This can be considered the moment when John Carter finds himself mysteriously transported to Mars (known as Barsoom to its inhabitants). The desolation, unfamiliar surroundings, and lower gravity, paired with encounters with strange creatures, marks the beginning of Carter’s journey and establishes his disoriented worldview.

Worldview: John Carter, a Confederate Civil War captain, begins the story with a sense of honor and duty but feels out of place and disoriented on Mars. His worldview is essentially that of a soldier, with defined ideas of bravery, honor, and love.

Primary Desire: Initially, it’s survival in a new and dangerous world. This later morphs into a desire to be with Dejah Thoris, the titular princess of Mars, and protect her.

Personal Significance of the Desire: Dejah Thoris represents a connection and purpose for John Carter in an otherwise alien world. She gives him a reason to engage with and protect this new world, and she symbolizes love and passion for him.

Misbelief: Given his military background, Carter may believe that physical strength and martial prowess alone can solve most problems. This belief is often tested in the intricate politics and different cultures of Barsoom.

Unavoidable External Force: Carter’s mysterious transportation to Barsoom is the external force that drives him. He has no control over it, and once he’s there, he’s immediately thrust into conflict and survival situations. His growing love for Dejah Thoris further compels him to take action.

How the Story Challenges or Reshapes Misbelief: As Carter becomes embroiled in the politics of Barsoom and navigates its various societies, he learns that brute strength alone isn’t enough. He needs to strategize, understand Barsoomian culture, and form alliances. By the end, he’s not just a warrior but a leader and diplomat.

Novel Blueprint (this is a brief blueprint for the sake of brevity):

Scene: John Carter’s Arrival on Mars

Alpha Point: John Carter arrives on Mars.
what happens: He encounters and battles the Green Martians.
why it matters: His life is at stake; it establishes the danger of this new world.
the consequence: He’s captured and taken to the Thark city.
realization: Carter realizes he can leap great heights due to Mars’s gravity.
and so?: He needs to navigate the Thark society and politics.

Scene: Meeting Dejah Thoris

Alpha Point: John Carter sees Dejah Thoris for the first time.
what happens: He’s immediately smitten by her beauty and learns she’s a prisoner.
why it matters: Carter now has a personal stake in the events of Barsoom.
the consequence: He makes it his mission to protect and rescue her.
realization: Mars is more than just a strange land; there are things and people worth fighting for.
and so?: He begins plotting her escape.

Scene: Battle in the Arena

Alpha Point: Carter is forced to battle in the Thark arena.
what happens: He displays his prowess and courage.
why it matters: His reputation is solidified among the Tharks.
the consequence: He gains respect and allies.
realization: He has the means and allies to mount a rescue for Dejah Thoris.
and so?: He takes action towards that rescue.

… and so on, until the climax of the story.

“AHA!” Moment:

Scene: John Carter’s Ultimate Sacrifice
Alpha Point: John Carter operates the atmosphere plant to save Barsoom from suffocation.
what happens: He risks his life for Barsoom, showcasing his love for the planet and its people.
why it matters: It’s the culmination of his transformation from a stranger on Mars to its savior.
the consequence: He’s transported back to Earth, separated from Dejah Thoris.
realization: Barsoom is as much his home as Earth, and his love for Dejah Thoris is profound.
and so?: The story sets up for its sequels, with Carter’s desire to return to Mars.

This is a highly simplified blueprint of a complex novel, but it provides a basic structure based on the definitions you’ve provided.

What might the author’s underlying motivations or purposes be for writing the novel?

Given the story and themes of “A Princess of Mars,” Edgar Rice Burroughs might have intended for readers to reevaluate their ideas about otherness and the value of understanding cultures beyond one’s own. By placing John Carter, a human, in an alien landscape and forcing him to navigate and appreciate the intricacies of the Martian culture, the novel underscores the importance of empathy, alliance-building, and cultural understanding.

Thus, the most likely change Burroughs might have intended for his readers is to evoke emotions of empathy and understanding, challenging any preconceived biases or prejudices they might have held, and inspiring them to approach unfamiliar cultures or situations with an open heart and mind.