Nature vs. Nurture
Tarzan, born to English nobility but raised by apes, embodies the tension between innate human qualities and environmental conditioning, as his noble lineage manifests in instincts and emotions he cannot explain.
Identity and Belonging
Tarzan struggles with his dual identity as a man among apes, feeling alienated from both the ape tribe and the human blacks, and longs for companionship and a sense of place in the jungle.
Savagery vs. Civilization
The book contrasts the raw, instinctual life of the jungle with the cruelties and complexities of human society, often portraying civilized humans as more disgusting or brutal than wild beasts.
Where it surfaces
The Lion
Tarzan's reasoned plan to teach Numa a lesson contrasts with the apes' panic, showing a blend of savage instinct and emerging civilized strategy.
XI: A Jungle Joke
Tarzan contrasts the simple lives of apes with the complex, cruel activities of the Gomangani, and feels revulsion at their tortures despite his own savagery.
XII: Tarzan Rescues the Moon
Tarzan's pride in being a man and his role as a mediator between the ape tribe and humans underscores the tension between savage and civilized identities.
Love and Affection
Tarzan experiences various forms of love—romantic longing for Teeka, maternal affection from Kala, and paternal care for Gazan—highlighting the universal need for emotional bonds across species.
Where it surfaces
Tarzan's First Love
Tarzan's emerging romantic feelings for Teeka and his jealousy toward Taug drive the chapter's emotional core.
The Capture of Tarzan
Tarzan's deep affection for Tantor, his only true companion since Kala's death, is explored through their companionship and Tarzan's selfless rush to warn the elephant of the pit.
III: The Fight for the Balu
Tarzan's yearning to cuddle the balu and his past affection for Teeka contrast with her protective aggression.
Tarzan and the Black Boy
Tarzan's growing fondness for Tibo and his tender care for Gazan contrast with the fierce maternal love of Teeka and Momaya.
X: The Battle for Teeka
Tarzan's deep bond with Teeka and Gazan motivates his rescue, showing affection beyond mere tribal duty.
Survival and Instinct
The narrative emphasizes the constant struggle for food, safety, and territory, with Tarzan relying on his keen senses, physical prowess, and primal instincts to navigate dangers like lions, boars, and hostile humans.
Where it surfaces
Tarzan's First Love
Tarzan's fight with Sheeta and the tribe's daily struggle for food and safety highlight primal survival instincts.
The Capture of Tarzan
Tarzan's fierce fight for survival during his capture and the death dance, as well as his instinctual bond with Tantor, highlight the theme of survival and instinct.
III: The Fight for the Balu
Teeka's maternal instinct overrides her friendship with Tarzan; Sheeta's predatory instinct drives him to stalk the balu.
IV: The God of Tarzan
Tarzan and Teeka's immediate, instinctive response to save Gazan from Histah highlights the primal survival drive and protective instincts.
Tarzan and the Black Boy
Tibo's terror of the jungle and its predators underscores the primal survival instincts that both Tarzan and the apes possess.
The Witch-Doctor Seeks Vengeance
Tibo's terror and struggle to survive in the cave; Tarzan's instinctual battle lust and rescue.
Curiosity and Knowledge
Tarzan’s insatiable desire to understand the world—from the moon and God to the customs of blacks—drives his actions and sets him apart from the apes, reflecting a uniquely human quest for meaning.
Where it surfaces
The Capture of Tarzan
Tarzan's intense observation of the black warriors' pit-digging and his subsequent reasoning about its purpose demonstrate his innate curiosity and developing intellect.
IV: The God of Tarzan
Tarzan's quest to understand the word 'God' drives the chapter, showcasing his relentless pursuit of knowledge through reading and direct investigation.
VII: The End of Bukawai
Tarzan's playful invention of swinging on a rope and his discovery of friction's effects, which later proves life-saving.
IX: The Nightmare
Tarzan attempts to read a book in the cabin, puzzling over the illustrations and letters, showing his ongoing quest for understanding.
X: The Battle for Teeka
The mysterious cylinders from Tarzan's past (his father's) cause an explosion, yet Tarzan and Taug remain ignorant of their origin and purpose.
XI: A Jungle Joke
Tarzan's curiosity about the Gomangani drives him to spy on them and learn their ways, even as he hates them.
Cruelty and Vengeance
The jungle is marked by relentless violence and revenge, as seen in Tarzan’s baiting of the blacks after Kala’s death and the brutal practices of both animals and humans, including torture and killing for sport.
Where it surfaces
The Witch-Doctor Seeks Vengeance
Bukawai's cruel kidnapping and imprisonment of Tibo with hyenas, and Momaya's vengeful fury toward Bukawai and Rabba Kega.
VII: The End of Bukawai
Bukawai's long-nursed hatred and desire for revenge against Tarzan for humiliating him.
XI: A Jungle Joke
The blacks plan to torture Numa to death, and Tarzan's past vengeance against them is motivated by Kala's death.
Otherness and Prejudice
Tarzan views the black Gomangani with contempt and disgust, while they fear him as a supernatural being, illustrating themes of racial and cultural otherness and the barriers between different groups.
Where it surfaces
Tarzan's First Love
Tarzan feels alienated from the apes due to his hairless body and human features, and he views the black villagers as enemies.
Tarzan and the Black Boy
Tibo is viewed as an alien 'Go-bu-balu' by Tarzan, and the narrative explicitly contrasts the 'dull Negroid mind' with Tarzan's 'divine spark,' reinforcing racial otherness.
The Witch-Doctor Seeks Vengeance
Tarzan's view of the Gomangani as deadly enemies despite his earlier attempt to adopt Tibo; the blacks' superstitious fear of Tarzan as a white devil-god.
IX: The Nightmare
Tarzan views the Gomangani with disgust and contempt, considering them inferior and disgusting compared to jungle beasts.
