Tarzan of the Apes · Chapter
X: The Fear-Phantom explained
Tarzan observes the village of Mbonga from the trees, learning about the poisoned arrows used by the natives.
What happens
Tarzan observes the village of Mbonga from the trees, learning about the poisoned arrows used by the natives. He steals a supply of arrows and explores a hut, leaving a mocking display. The discovery of Kulonga's body and the theft terrifies the villagers, who attribute it to supernatural forces. Tarzan returns to the jungle.
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 Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it delivers the emotional peak of relief and reunion after the pro…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Savagery and Brutality
Tarzan's killing for pleasure and the use of poisoned arrows highlight the brutal aspects of both human and ape societies.
- Civilization vs. Wilderness
Tarzan's observation of the village contrasts his jungle life with the structured but superstitious human society.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“His savage life among the fierce wild brutes of the jungle left no opening for any thought that these could be aught else than enemies.”
Tarzan's upbringing in the jungle made him see all unfamiliar beings as potential threats.
Highlights Tarzan's lack of understanding of human kinship.
“Tarzan knew nothing of poison, but his shrewd reasoning told him that it was this deadly stuff that killed, and not the little arrow, which was merely the messenger that carried it into the body of its victim.”
Though unfamiliar with poison, Tarzan deduced that the arrows were deadly because of the substance they carried.
Demonstrates Tarzan's intelligence and observational skills.
