# Tarzan and the Golden Lion — Themes

> Major themes in Tarzan and the Golden Lion by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## Civilization vs. Wilderness

The book contrasts the civilized world's hypocrisy, greed, and deceit with the jungle's honesty and freedom, as Tarzan repeatedly rejects society and embraces his primal nature.

### Where it surfaces

- [The Golden Lion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/i-the-golden-lion): The jungle reclaiming the estate and Tarzan's dual identity as a civilized lord and wild man are central to the chapter.
- [A Strange, Flat Tower](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/xiii-a-strange-flat-tower): The contrast between the advanced diamond-cutting knowledge of the old man and the primitive, beast-like society of the Bolgani.

## Mastery and Obedience

Tarzan's training of the golden lion Jad-bal-ja demonstrates themes of dominance, loyalty, and control over nature, showing that love and respect can enforce obedience more effectively than brutality.

### Where it surfaces

- [The Golden Lion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/i-the-golden-lion): Tarzan demonstrates mastery over animals and humans, taming the lion cub and the dog, and commanding respect from Chief Umanga's villagers.
- [II: The Training of Jad-Bal-Ja](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/ii-the-training-of-jad-bal-ja): Tarzan's training of Jad-bal-ja exemplifies the theme of mastery over nature and the lion's obedience through trust and discipline.
- [What the Footprints Told](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/iv-what-the-footprints-told): Tarzan's training of Jad-bal-ja demonstrates the bond of command and submission between man and beast, as the lion obeys complex commands and hunts at his master's will.
- [The Fatal Drops](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/v-the-fatal-drops): Tarzan asserts his authority over the jungle and the intruders, while Korak struggles to control Jad-bal-ja.
- [The Golden Ingots](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/xii-the-golden-ingots): Esteban commands the Waziri's obedience through his assumed identity, but their respect wanes as he fails to act like their true master.
- [The Chamber of Horrors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/xiv-the-chamber-of-horrors): Tarzan commands Jad-bal-ja and the Gomangani, demonstrating his mastery over both beast and man.

## Loyalty and Betrayal

The narrative explores loyalty among the Waziri, Tarzan's family, and allies, contrasted with betrayal by characters like Esteban Miranda and the treacherous priests of Opar.

### Where it surfaces

- [The Golden Lion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/i-the-golden-lion): The Waziri's faithful restoration of the Greystoke home contrasts with the destruction by German forces, highlighting loyalty.
- [A Meeting of Mystery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/iii-a-meeting-of-mystery): The conspirators' mutual distrust and Flora's insistence on controlling the map highlight the fragile loyalties within the group.
- [Death Steals Behind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/vi-death-steals-behind): Cadj betrays La by concealing news of Tarzan's arrival and leading a murderous expedition, while Manu remains loyal to Tarzan and warns La.
- [VII: “You Must Sacrifice Him”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/vii-you-must-sacrifice-him): La's loyalty to Tarzan is challenged by Cadj's betrayal and the conspiracy among the priests.
- [VIII: Mystery of the Past](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/viii-mystery-of-the-past): Cadj's plot to betray La and have her killed underscores the theme of treachery within Opar's priestly hierarchy.
- [Mad Treachery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/x-mad-treachery): The Waziri remain fiercely loyal to Tarzan, while the conspirators betray each other with threats and blame.

## Slavery and Oppression

The Gomangani are enslaved by the Bolgani, and Tarzan leads a revolt to free them, highlighting themes of tyranny, liberation, and the abuse of power.

### Where it surfaces

- [A Strange, Flat Tower](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/xiii-a-strange-flat-tower): The Gomangani are kept as slaves by the Bolgani, and the old man describes the perpetual slavery that prevents escape.
- [The Chamber of Horrors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/xiv-the-chamber-of-horrors): The Gomangani are enslaved by the Bolgani, and Tarzan leads them to freedom.
- [The Diamond Hoard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/xvi-the-diamond-hoard): The Gomangani are freed from ages of Bolgani tyranny, and Tarzan advises the old king to protect their rights.

## Revenge and Justice

Tarzan seeks vengeance for the death of Jane and the killing of his jungle subjects, pursuing Luvini and punishing wrongdoers with jungle law.

### Where it surfaces

- [VII: “You Must Sacrifice Him”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/vii-you-must-sacrifice-him): Cadj seeks revenge against Tarzan for defiling the temple, while La seeks justice through mercy.
- [Mad Treachery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/x-mad-treachery): Tarzan exacts revenge on the impostor and reclaims the stolen gold, delivering a warning to the conspirators.
- [The Diamond Hoard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/xvi-the-diamond-hoard): La's forces overthrow Cadj, and the Gomangani win their freedom from the Bolgani oppressors.
- [The Spoor of Revenge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/xviii-the-spoor-of-revenge): Tarzan's sole focus after learning of Jane's death is to find and kill Luvini, stating 'when next you see Tarzan of the Apes you will know that Luvini is dead.'
- [A Barbed Shaft Kills](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/xix-a-barbed-shaft-kills): Tarzan seeks justice for the theft of the diamonds and the death of Kraski.
- [The Dead Return](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/xx-the-dead-return): Tarzan sends Jad-bal-ja to capture Esteban, leading to the impostor's presumed death, serving as a form of jungle justice.

## Identity and Deception

Impostors like Esteban Miranda pretend to be Tarzan, and characters hide their true motives, exploring themes of mistaken identity, fraud, and the contrast between appearance and reality.

### Where it surfaces

- [A Meeting of Mystery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/iii-a-meeting-of-mystery): Esteban's hidden jealous nature and the group's criminal intentions underscore themes of deception and hidden identities.
- [What the Footprints Told](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/iv-what-the-footprints-told): The Mangani mistake Tarzan for the killer of Gobu, suggesting an impersonator is at work, which introduces a theme of mistaken identity and deception.
- [The Fatal Drops](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/v-the-fatal-drops): Tarzan is mistaken for Esteban Miranda by the conspirators, and Flora Hawkes uses deception to plot against him.
- [Mad Treachery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/x-mad-treachery): Esteban's impersonation of Tarzan is exposed and punished, while the conspirators' schemes rely on deception and false promises.
- [The Golden Ingots](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/xii-the-golden-ingots): Esteban's impersonation of Tarzan is increasingly untenable as his cowardice and lack of skill betray him to the Waziri.
- [A Barbed Shaft Kills](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/xix-a-barbed-shaft-kills): Esteban Miranda fully adopts the identity of Tarzan, believing himself to be the ape-man.

## Savagery and Civilization

Tarzan's dual nature as an English lord and a jungle beast is examined, with the 'thin veneer of civilization' easily shed when primal instincts take over.

### Where it surfaces

- [Death Steals Behind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/vi-death-steals-behind): The contrast between the degenerate, beast-like male inhabitants of Opar and the more human females highlights the theme of savagery versus civilization.
- [VII: “You Must Sacrifice Him”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/vii-you-must-sacrifice-him): The half-bestial Oparian society contrasts with Tarzan's civilized yet primal nature.
- [VIII: Mystery of the Past](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/viii-mystery-of-the-past): The contrast between the advanced Opar civilization and the primitive, almost bestial tribe in the valley highlights the spectrum of human development.
- [The Shaft of Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/ix-the-shaft-of-death): The Bolgani's brutal rule and the villagers' fear contrast with Tarzan's intervention and La's commanding presence, highlighting the tension between savage oppression and a sense of justice.
- [XI: Strange Incense Burns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/xi-strange-incense-burns): The Bolgani's brutal rule over the Gomangani and the opulent yet barbaric Palace of Diamonds highlight the tension between primitive savagery and civilized ornamentation.
- [The Spoor of Revenge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/xviii-the-spoor-of-revenge): The contrast between Tarzan's jungle skills and the helplessness of the London conspirators, who are terrified of the wild and rely on Tarzan for survival.

## Courage and Sacrifice

Characters repeatedly risk their lives for others, such as Tarzan rescuing La from the Bolgani and the Waziri offering their lives for Lady Greystoke, emphasizing heroism and selflessness.

### Where it surfaces

- [II: The Training of Jad-Bal-Ja](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/ii-the-training-of-jad-bal-ja): Muviro's loyalty and the Waziri's joyful welcome highlight the courage and sacrifice of those who defended the home.
- [The Shaft of Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/ix-the-shaft-of-death): Tarzan risks himself to defend the weak, killing the Bolgani and leaving La behind to find a safe path, demonstrating courage and self-sacrifice.
- [XI: Strange Incense Burns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/xi-strange-incense-burns): Tarzan demonstrates courage by infiltrating the Bolgani palace alone, and La's earlier sacrifice for Tarzan is recalled as motivation.
- [A Strange, Flat Tower](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/xiii-a-strange-flat-tower): Tarzan risks his life to rescue La, showing courage in the face of overwhelming odds.
- [The Chamber of Horrors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/xiv-the-chamber-of-horrors): Tarzan risks his life to save La and the Gomangani, showing bravery in the face of overwhelming odds.
- [The Map of Blood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_and_the_golden_lion_se/chapters/xv-the-map-of-blood): Jane Clayton's determination to search for Tarzan despite the dangers, and the conspirators' desperate flight into the jungle, underscore acts of courage in the face of peril.

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