Introduction: Who is David Innes and What Makes Him Different from Other Burroughs Heroes?
During our Chapters June and July Zoom gatherings, we had the opportunity to delve into the captivating world of Edgar Rice Burroughs' novels, "At The Earth's Core" and its sequel "Pellucidar." As we explored these thrilling tales, one aspect that caught our attention was the distinctiveness of the story's hero, David Innes, in comparison to Burroughs' two earlier iconic creations - John Carter and Tarzan.
While both John Carter and Tarzan are renowned for their physical prowess and bravery in the face of danger, David Innes presents a refreshing departure from this archetype. Instead of relying solely on his physical abilities, David Innes battles his adversaries with a different kind of strength - an inner struggle filled with self-doubt and fear.
Unlike Tarzan's instinctual escape tactics or John Carter's unwavering courage, Innes grapples with his own limitations and uncertainties. This portrayal adds a layer of complexity to his character, making him relatable to readers who may also face their own inner demons.
“Just how I was to help Perry I could scarce imagine, but I hoped that some fortuitous circumstance might solve the problem for me. It was quite evident however that little less than a miracle could aid me, for what could I accomplish in this strange world, naked and unarmed? It was even doubtful that I could retrace my steps to Phutra should I once pass beyond view of the plain, and even were that possible, what aid could I bring to Perry no matter how far I wandered?” –A.T.E.C. Chapter 7-Freedom
“That I should ever win the opposite slopes of the range I began to doubt, for though I am naturally sanguine, I imagine that the bereavement which had befallen me had cast such a gloom over my spirits that I could see no slightest ray of hope for the future.”- Pellucidar, Chapter 3- Shooting the Chutes and After.
Through David Innes' journey in "At The Earth's Core" and "Pellucidar," we witness a hero who must confront not only external threats but also his own fears. At this point Burroughs has two successful series, and his writing style had improved with each publication. Which may explain his work with David Innes, as he moves to build a protagonist with inner struggles, and offer readers a unique perspective on heroism that goes beyond mere physical prowess.
The Reluctant Hero: How David Innes' Character Differs from Burroughs Earlier Hero Archetypes
The character of David Innes differs from Burroughs earlier two hero archetypes, Tarzan and John Carter, and in so doing, presents us with a reluctant hero style that adds depth and complexity to the Pellucidar series. In fact, the general feeling is that Innes injects a human aspect into the story, and is the glue that really keeps the reader engaged in the adventure.
From the start of the series, we can see the difference in David Innes in relation to the author's earlier creations.
John Carter in, A Princess of Mars, embodies the quintessential hero archetype - a warrior who is both brave and fearless. Upon arriving on a foreign planet, he discovers that he possesses incredible strength and superhuman agility. These newfound abilities become instrumental in his transformation into a formidable fighting man of Mars.
“Then he changed his tactics, and fighting warily and with extreme dexterity, he tried to do by science what he was unable to do by brute strength. I must admit that he was a magnificent swordsman, and had it not been for my greater endurance and the remarkable agility the lesser gravitation of Mars lent me I might not have been able to put up the creditable fight I did against him.” – A Princess of Mars, Chapter 14-A Duel to the Death
In Burroughs' novel, "Tarzan of the Apes," we witness the remarkable transformation of a young boy into a superhuman hero of the jungle. Tarzan's evolution from a vulnerable baby to an unparalleled warrior highlights his extraordinary abilities and sets him apart as a fearless and brave protagonist.
“Though but ten years old he was fully as strong as the average man of thirty, and far more agile than the most practiced athlete ever becomes. And day by day his strength was increasing.” –Tarzan of the Apes, Chapter 5–The White Ape
“Quick was Sabor, the lioness, and quick were Numa and Sheeta, but Tarzan of the Apes was lightning.” – Tarzan of the Apes, Chapter 9, Man and Man
In the opening chapter of "At the Earth's Core", we are introduced to David Innes of Connecticut. He is not a war hero, nor raised in an unconventional manner. The only thing that sets him apart from the average Joe is that he comes from money. He will lose his father when he turns nineteen, and there is no mention of his mother or any other siblings.
Because of his great respect and love for his father, Innes chooses to honor his elder’s dying wish and pour himself into the management of the family mining business. This snapshot might put David Innes more among the trio of stampeders featured in Jack London’s A Call of the Wild, who lack the survival skills for the wilderness they face. Yet unlike those three, the author is able to convey in a few words that Innes is a nice person. His friendship with his unconventional sidekick, Abner Perry, and his willingness to invest in the digging machine makes him someone you would like to get to know rather than bad mouth.
His complete faith in the elder Perry is showcased by his willingness to get aboard the Prospector on its maiden voyage without hesitation. However, it is a ride that brings his emotions to the surface. As the machine descends into the unknown depths, we witness his first moments of self-doubt in himself, and fear of the unknown.
“And so it was with the utmost confidence that I laid hold of the huge iron rim; but though I threw every ounce of my strength into it, my best effort was as unavailing as Perry’s had been—the thing would not budge—the grim, insensate, horrible thing that was holding us upon the straight road to death!” – At The Earth’s Core (A.T.E.C.), Chapter 1, Toward the Eternal Fires.
In this pivotal moment, as David grasps the massive iron wheel with all his strength, we can sense his desperation. A desperation compounded by the fact he believed that his great strength, which he had honed since childhood through various sports, had made him, he believes, somewhat of a Superman. Yet despite exerting every ounce of his energy and determination, he finds himself unable to move the object. This passage not only highlights David's physical limitations but also reveals his vulnerable side.
Burroughs does not help Innes once he emerges from the digger at the Earth’s core. There are no extra abilities gifted to him, as with John Carter or Tarzan, to battle the new dangers he must face. Like Robinson Crusoe, the author places him upon an island with only his own God given talents with which to lean on and survive.
“Together they launched themselves upon me, and though I ran one of them through the heart on the instant, the other fastened its gleaming fangs about my sword arm above the elbow, and then with her sharp talons commenced to rake me about the body, evidently intent upon disemboweling me. I saw that it was useless to hope that I might release my arm from that powerful, viselike grip which seemed to be severing my arm from my body. The pain I suffered was intense, but it only served to spur me to greater efforts to overcome my antagonist.” – A.T.E.C., Chapter 11 – Four Dead Mahars
“So I redoubled my efforts to keep pace with the hunt; but I might as well have attempted to distance the bird upon the wing; as I have often reminded you, I am no runner.” – Pellucidar, Chapter 12 - Kidnapped
One of Innes most startling acts comes in the latter half of the novel Pellucidar when he suggests to Dian the Beautiful, a Romeo and Juliet scenario, a suicide pact to escape the horror that awaits them in the hands of the novel's villain.
”I could almost have wished for death to vouchsafe her that peace which fate seemed to deny her in this life.
I spoke to her on the subject, suggesting that we expire together.” – Pellucidar, Chapter 11-Escape
While he later laments on the foolishness of suicide, the fact that it was his idea for their best escape from the situation they find themselves plays strongly against the Burroughs type hero. Neither Tarzan nor John Carter would ever consider suicide over fighting toe and nail to the death rather than surrender in such a fashion. Once again, David Innes’ unconventional style challenges our expectations of what a hero should be. But, does it force us as the reader to reconsider the qualities that make someone heroic?
A Different Approach to Conflict Resolution: How David Innes Handles Battles and Confrontations
The protagonist David Innes displays a unique approach to battle tactics and conflict resolution as soon as he steps from the Prospector at the Earth’s core.
“The few seconds of grace that this gave me found me safely lodged in the branches of a tree a few paces from that in which Perry had at last found a haven.” – A.T.E.C. Chapter 2 – A Strange World
“What do you want of my spear?” he asked.
“Only to keep you from running it through me,” I replied.(Innes)
– A.T.E.C. Chapter 7 – The Mahar Temple
“I waited until they were quite close enough to hear me, and then I hailed them. I told them that we were friends of the Mezops, and that we were upon a visit to Ja of Anoroc, to which they replied that they were at war with Ja, and that if we would wait a minute they’d board us and throw our corpses to the azdyryths. I warned them that they would get the worst of it if they didn’t leave us alone, but they only shouted in derision and paddled swiftly toward us.” – Pellucidar Chapter 4 – Friendship and Treachery
Innes is portrayed as a reluctant and self-doubting character, often driven by fear.
“As the noise of hurrying feet warned me that we were entering the busy corridors of the main level, my heart came up into my mouth. It is with no sense of shame that I admit that I was frightened—never before in my life, nor since, did I experience any such agony of soul searing fear and suspense as enveloped me. If it be possible to sweat blood, I sweat it then.” – A.T.E.C., Chapter 12, Pursuit
“They took me to the pits, where I lay carefully guarded. I was sure that I was to be taken to the vivisection laboratory, and it required all my courage to fortify myself against the terrors of so fearful a death. In Pellucidar, where there is no time, death-agonies may endure for eternities. Accordingly, I had to steel myself against an endless doom, which now stared me in the face!” – Pellucidar, Chapter 4 -Friendship and Treachery
Rather than engaging in confrontational battles, Innes frequently employs non-confrontational techniques to navigate through challenging situations. He strategically avoids direct conflicts whenever possible, opting for alternative solutions that minimize the need for violence. Most often self-doubt is the driving force.
“I was somewhat longer than usual, for I must confess that the sight of this awful man had wrought upon my nerves to such an extent that my knees were anything but steady. What chance had I against this mighty warrior for whom even the fiercest cave bear had no terrors! Could I hope to best one who slaughtered the sadok and dyryth singlehanded!” - A.T.E.C., Chapter 14, The Garden of Eden
This approach not only sets Innes apart from typical heroes but also allows for an exploration of his inner conflicts and character development throughout the novel. By emphasizing Innes' emotional side, Burroughs creates a compelling narrative that goes beyond mere physical prowess. Readers are drawn into the inner turmoil of the protagonist, witnessing his growth and transformation as he confronts his fears head-on.
A New Kind of Heroism: Why David Innes' Style Can Resonate with Modern Audiences
One of the chief concepts that made Marvel Comics the king of the hill in the mid-1960s was the creation of heroes who were filled with emotional trauma. In a posting on ScreenRant, Joshua Isaak writes about Marvel’s greatest: -“Guilt and doubt have always been Spider-Man's constant companions.” These two relatable and human characteristics have overtime evolved into the defining elements of the modern hero in literature, television, and movies.
Many see this new generation of champions as a refreshing departure from the traditional hero archetypes. Those flaws add depth to both the character and the overall story. No longer is the herculean lead defined as one who is “…undeterred by profoundly intractable problems and/or by dangerously potent antagonists. In the face of either or both, they are undaunted.” (Andrew Bernstein, Heroes, Legends, Champions: Why Heroism Matters.)
It is this shift; in the heroic model that gives David Innes, the power to resonate with today’s modern audiences. His non-confrontational approach, coupled with his reluctant and self-doubting nature, is so closely in line with current trends you have to wonder if Burroughs wrote him with foresight into the future. Instead of fight, fight, fight, the author skillfully explores Innes' emotional journey, creating a compelling narrative that clicks with readers on multiple levels. As George Bernard Shaw said, “You cannot be a hero without being a coward.”
Comments