King Solomon’s Mines · Chapter
XVIII: We Abandon Hope explained
Trapped in the treasure chamber, the trio abandons hope of escape until they discover a hidden stone ring beneath the floor.
What happens
Trapped in the treasure chamber, the trio abandons hope of escape until they discover a hidden stone ring beneath the floor. By working together, they manage to lift it, revealing a passage that offers a chance at survival.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of impending d…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Fate and Destiny
The men's hope is repeatedly deferred, yet a chance discovery of the stone ring suggests a destined escape.
- Greed and Wealth
Quatermain refuses to abandon the basket of diamonds, reflecting the allure of treasure even in mortal danger.
Characters to notice
- Sir Henry Curtis
Shows strength and leadership, pulling the stone ring with all his might.
- Captain John Good
Perseveres in searching for a draft, discovers the hollow floor, and uses his knife and handkerchief to help lift the ring.
- Allan Quatermain
Narrates the ordeal, initially despairing but ultimately assisting in the escape effort.
- Foulata
Mentioned as deceased; her bones remain in the treasure chamber.
- Infadoos
Appears at the end, weeping for joy as the men emerge from the pit.
Key passages
“We were utterly perplexed, till suddenly it struck Good that when I had lit the match the draught of the passage blew the flame to the left. 'Let us go against the draught,' he said; 'air draws inwards, not outwards.'”
Good realized the air current indicated a way out, so they followed it.
Shows Good's practical reasoning in a desperate situation.
“One might as well die rich as poor, I reflected.”
Quatermain decided to keep the diamonds even in the face of death.
Highlights the theme of greed and wealth.
“Infadoos, Infadoos! it is we, thy friends.' He rose; he ran to us, staring wildly, and still shaking with fear. 'Oh, my lords, my lords, it is indeed you come back from the dead!—come back from the dead!'”
Infadoos was terrified but overjoyed to see them alive.
Emphasizes the emotional reunion and the men's miraculous survival.
