Marie (novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 1912 |
| Founder | H. Rider Haggard |
| Products | Fiction novel |
Marie is a novel published in 1912 by H. Rider Haggard, featuring the character Allan Quatermain. The story explores Quatermain’s formative years, highlighting his initial marriage to Marie Marais, a Boer farm girl. Their relationship encounters resistance from Marie’s father, who harbors anti-British sentiments, and from her cousin Hernan Pereira, who also vies for her affection. Set against the backdrop of the Great Trek, this book represents the fifth novel and the eighth narrative in the Allan Quatermain collection.
The plot weaves in Quatermain’s involvement in the Sixth Xhosa War of 1835 and the Weenen massacre, incorporating historical personalities such as Piet Retief, Thomas Halstead, and the Zulu leader Dingane. References to events from Nada the Lily are frequently made throughout the tale.
Plot
The story unfolds near Cradock in the Cape Colony, where Allan Quatermain and Marie Marais evolve from childhood companions into romantic partners under the guidance of Monsieur Leblanc. Opposition arises from Marie’s father due to his anti-English views and a previous commitment to marry her to Hernando Pereira, who emerges as Allan’s adversary.
A violent episode occurs when Leblanc shoots two sons of a local chief, provoking an attack on Maraisfontein. Allan rallies defenders to protect the farmstead, ultimately rescuing Marie alongside Henry Marais and other Boers. Leblanc is captured during this conflict and later executed.
Despite familial disapproval, Allan and Marie intend to establish their home near the Crocodile River. When Marie becomes ill, Allan undertakes a rescue mission bringing vital supplies. During their travels, they encounter King Dingane of the Zulu, who tests Allan’s shooting skills before choosing to spare him.
Allan weds Marie without obtaining her father’s approval. Subsequently, he engages in negotiations with Dingane concerning land desired by Boer settlers but narrowly avoids a massacre planned by Dingane’s warriors. Upon returning, Allan confronts threats from Hernando Pereira, who leads a plot to have him falsely accused and executed.
With assistance from his servant, Allan escapes by being drugged and disguised in Marie’s clothing while she assumes his place in captivity. During an attempted execution, Hernando shoots Marie but is fatally wounded by Henry Marais for injuring his daughter. Before dying, Hernando admits to framing Allan.
Marie leaves a letter expressing gratitude to Allan for saving her life on three occasions and reveals that she has also saved him at the conclusion of the story, conveying hope for their future reunion.