# Tarzan the Untamed — Themes

> Major themes in Tarzan the Untamed by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## Savagery vs. Civilization

Tarzan rejects his human identity and civilization after his wife's death, embracing his identity as an ape, yet he is repeatedly drawn back to protect and aid humans, highlighting the tension between his primal nature and his inherent humanity.

### Where it surfaces

- [I: Murder and Pillage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/i-murder-and-pillage): Tarzan sheds his civilized veneer and reverts to his savage jungle self, embracing his primal instincts.
- [When the Lion Fed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/iv-when-the-lion-fed): Tarzan's methods are primal and brutal, yet he outwits both wild beasts and human military patrols, blurring the line between savage and civilized.
- [When Blood Told](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/vii-when-blood-told): Tarzan struggles with his civilized restraint (sparing Bertha) and his savage instincts, ultimately choosing to return to the primitive jungle.
- [VIII: Tarzan and the Great Apes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/viii-tarzan-and-the-great-apes): Tarzan's participation in the Dum-Dum dance with the great apes and his use of primitive terror tactics against the deserters highlight the contrast between civilized and savage behaviors.
- [X: In the Hands of Savages](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/x-in-the-hands-of-savages): The Wamabo's cannibalistic feast and the brutal rescue contrast with Tarzan's strategic use of boiling water and the Englishman's civilized demeanor.
- [XIV: The Black Lion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/xiv-the-black-lion): Tarzan's compassion for the lion contrasts with the Wamabos' cruel intent to torture it, highlighting the tension between civilized empathy and savage brutality.

## Revenge and Justice

Driven by the murder of his wife by Germans, Tarzan seeks vengeance against all Germans, but his encounters with individuals like Bertha Kircher complicate his black-and-white view of justice, forcing him to confront mercy and moral ambiguity.

### Where it surfaces

- [I: Murder and Pillage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/i-murder-and-pillage): Tarzan dedicates his life to avenging Jane's murder, swearing a relentless oath against all Germans.
- [II: The Lion's Cave](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/ii-the-lion-s-cave): Tarzan's relentless pursuit of Schneider is driven by a personal vendetta for his wife's murder, culminating in a cruel punishment that mirrors the savagery of the jungle.
- [In the German Lines](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/iii-in-the-german-lines): Tarzan's initial motivation is revenge against Germans for his wife's death, but he shifts toward aiding the British, blending personal vengeance with a broader sense of justice.
- [The Golden Locket](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/v-the-golden-locket): Tarzan's quest for vengeance against Schneider, the murderer of his wife, drives his actions.
- [VI: Vengeance and Mercy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/vi-vengeance-and-mercy): Tarzan's quest for vengeance against Schneider for the murder of his mate culminates in a brutal fight, but he ultimately shows mercy to Bertha, blurring the line between revenge and justice.

## War and Its Atrocities

Set against World War I in East Africa, the book depicts the brutality of German colonial forces, including torture of natives and the dehumanizing effects of war, while also showing the chaos and suffering inflicted on both soldiers and civilians.

### Where it surfaces

- [I: Murder and Pillage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/i-murder-and-pillage): The German attack on Tarzan's farm and the murder of Jane exemplify the brutal horrors of war.
- [The Golden Locket](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/v-the-golden-locket): The chapter depicts the brutal realities of war, including espionage, murder, and the use of a lion as a weapon.
- [VI: Vengeance and Mercy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/vi-vengeance-and-mercy): The chapter highlights the brutality of war through Schneider's attempted assault on Bertha and Tarzan's violent confrontation, reflecting the dehumanizing effects of conflict.
- [When Blood Told](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/vii-when-blood-told): The chapter reflects on the horrors of war, including murder, pillage, and rape committed by German soldiers at Tarzan's bungalow.

## Survival and Adaptation

Tarzan's jungle skills—hunting, tracking, climbing, and fighting—are essential for his own survival and for protecting others, demonstrating the theme of adapting to harsh environments and overcoming physical and psychological challenges.

### Where it surfaces

- [I: Murder and Pillage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/i-murder-and-pillage): Tarzan's journey home and subsequent pursuit demonstrate his mastery of jungle survival and adaptation.
- [II: The Lion's Cave](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/ii-the-lion-s-cave): Tarzan navigates the jungle, hunts for food, and uses the environment—including a lion's cave—to achieve his goals, demonstrating his primal skills.
- [In the German Lines](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/iii-in-the-german-lines): Tarzan's jungle skills allow him to survive and thrive, killing a hyena, feeding a lion, and moving unseen through enemy lines, contrasting with the struggles of civilized soldiers.
- [When the Lion Fed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/iv-when-the-lion-fed): Tarzan demonstrates mastery of jungle survival: hunting, skinning, capturing a lion, and using its strength to navigate dangerous territory.
- [The Golden Locket](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/v-the-golden-locket): Tarzan uses his jungle skills to survive and manipulate both wild animals and enemy forces.
- [When Blood Told](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/vii-when-blood-told): Tarzan's journey across a barren, waterless plateau tests his survival skills and primal instincts.

## Loyalty and Betrayal

Characters navigate shifting loyalties, from German askaris betraying their officers to Tarzan's conflicted duty toward the English officer and the German spy, exploring the complexities of allegiance in a time of war.

### Where it surfaces

- [In the German Lines](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/iii-in-the-german-lines): Tarzan's internal conflict between his renunciation of humanity and his loyalty to the English cause, ultimately choosing to help the British despite his desire to be an ape.
- [X: In the Hands of Savages](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/x-in-the-hands-of-savages): Zu-tag's loyalty to Tarzan drives the rescue, while Tarzan's internal conflict about owing his life to Bertha Kircher, whom he hates, explores themes of loyalty and enmity.
- [XI: Finding the Airplane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/xi-finding-the-airplane): Tarzan's obligation to Bertha despite hating her as a spy, and Smith-Oldwick's internal conflict between duty and his feelings for her.
- [Usanga's Reward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/xiii-usanga-s-reward): Usanga betrays his comrades and attempts to kidnap Bertha for his own gain, while Tarzan returns to aid the stranded pair despite earlier reluctance.
- [Mysterious Footprints](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/xv-mysterious-footprints): Smith-Oldwick is torn between his love for Bertha and his duty as an officer if she is a German spy.
- [The Flight from Xuja](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/xxiii-the-flight-from-xuja): Otobu remains loyal to Tarzan despite his fear, while the Xujans' loyalty to their mad rulers is shown through their violent defense.

## Gender and Heroism

Bertha Kircher defies expectations as a resourceful and courageous woman, while Tarzan's code prevents him from harming her despite her being an enemy, challenging traditional gender roles and definitions of heroism.

### Where it surfaces

- [VI: Vengeance and Mercy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/vi-vengeance-and-mercy): Bertha Kircher's resourcefulness and courage in stealing the locket and escaping challenge traditional gender roles, while Tarzan's mercy toward her redefines heroism beyond mere strength.
- [Dropped from the Sky](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/ix-dropped-from-the-sky): Bertha's courage in facing the apes and her willingness to work despite pain contrasts with Tarzan's view of her as a 'woman' needing protection, yet he admires her bravery.
- [XI: Finding the Airplane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/xi-finding-the-airplane): Smith-Oldwick shields Bertha from the panther, and Bertha fetches a spear to aid Tarzan, challenging traditional gender roles in a crisis.
- [Among the Maniacs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/xviii-among-the-maniacs): Bertha Kircher displays bravery by wrestling a saber from a captor to protect Smith-Oldwick, challenging traditional gender roles of the time.
- [The Queen's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/xix-the-queen-s-story): Women are kept captive and considered more violent than men; Bertha's horror at her revealing attire highlights gender roles.

## Colonialism and Racism

The narrative critiques German colonial brutality through vivid depictions of native exploitation and torture, while also reflecting period attitudes toward race, as seen in Tarzan's interactions with African tribes and his own sense of superiority.

### Where it surfaces

- [VIII: Tarzan and the Great Apes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/viii-tarzan-and-the-great-apes): The band of black deserters, formerly under German command, and Tarzan's contemptuous attitude toward them reflect the racial hierarchies and colonial exploitation of the era.
- [Dropped from the Sky](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/ix-dropped-from-the-sky): Tarzan's disdain for the German language and people, and his assumption that Bertha sees him as a 'beast of the jungle,' reflect colonial attitudes and racial hierarchies.
- [The Queen's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/xix-the-queen-s-story): The Xujans are portrayed as primitive and mentally inferior, reflecting colonial-era stereotypes.

## Madness and Rationality

The Xujans, a race of rational maniacs who control lions, embody a blurred line between sanity and insanity, questioning what it means to be civilized when madness is coupled with intelligence and power.

### Where it surfaces

- [II: The Lion's Cave](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/ii-the-lion-s-cave): Schneider's terror and gibbering in the face of the lion contrast with Tarzan's cold, calculated vengeance, blurring the line between human sanity and animal instinct.
- [When the Lion Fed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/iv-when-the-lion-fed): Tarzan's calm, calculated approach to taming a lion contrasts with the lion's frenzied rage, highlighting rationality over brute force.
- [Mysterious Footprints](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/xv-mysterious-footprints): Tarzan's beast-like tracking (sniffing footprints) contrasts with human rationality, blending instinct and reason.
- [XVII: The Walled City](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/xvii-the-walled-city): The encounter with the lion-taming man introduces a theme of madness, as Tarzan perceives him as a 'rational maniac' who controls lions.
- [Among the Maniacs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/xviii-among-the-maniacs): The captors are depicted as maniacs with erratic behavior, such as laughing hysterically after violent rage, highlighting the theme of irrationality versus sanity.
- [The Queen's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/chapters/xix-the-queen-s-story): The Xujans are depicted as having subnormal mentalities, with the king and his son Metak exhibiting violent madness.

HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_the_untamed_se/themes