# The Return of Tarzan — Themes

> Major themes in The Return of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## Civilization vs. Wilderness

Tarzan struggles between the allure of civilized society and the freedom of the jungle, often finding civilized humans more brutal and corrupt than the beasts of the wild.

### Where it surfaces

- [III: What Happened in the Rue Maule](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/iii-what-happened-in-the-rue-maule): Tarzan's thin veneer of civilization falls away during the fight, revealing the savage beast within as he uses teeth and brute strength.
- [IV: The Countess Explains](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/iv-the-countess-explains): Tarzan contrasts jungle law (kill for food or self-preservation) with civilized brutality (wanton killing, using brotherhood as a lure).
- [VI: A Duel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/vi-a-duel): Tarzan reflects that his civilization is only skin deep and considers returning to the jungle, contrasting the artificial constraints of Parisian society with his natural instincts.
- [IX: Numa El Adrea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/ix-numa-el-adrea): Tarzan straddles the line between civilized man and wild ape, using a gun yet reverting to primal behavior after the kill.
- [XIV: Back to the Primitive](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/xiv-back-to-the-primitive): Tarzan deliberately sheds his civilized trappings and reverts to his ape-like existence, hunting and foraging in the jungle, while also grappling with civilized scruples about killing a fellow man.
- [From Ape to Savage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/xv-from-ape-to-savage): Tarzan grapples with his identity, feeling more at home among the savages than in Paris, yet the sight of gold reawakens his civilized desires for wealth and power.

## Honor and Chivalry

Tarzan consistently acts with a strong moral code, rescuing women in distress, defending the innocent, and refusing to take advantage of others, contrasting with the deceit and cowardice of antagonists like Rokoff.

### Where it surfaces

- [The Affair on the Liner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/i-the-affair-on-the-liner): Tarzan defends the count's honor by exposing the plot, and de Coude challenges the accuser to a duel.
- [II: Forging Bonds of Hate and ⸻?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/ii-forging-bonds-of-hate-and): Tarzan repeatedly intervenes to protect a woman from Rokoff and Paulvitch, acting on a personal code of honor despite being in a civilized setting.
- [The Plot That Failed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/v-the-plot-that-failed): Tarzan's restraint in not killing Rokoff despite provocation, and his concern for Olga's honor, reflect a code of honor and chivalry.
- [VI: A Duel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/vi-a-duel): Tarzan's decision to fire into the air and reveal Rokoff's confession demonstrates a chivalric concern for the countess's honor and a rejection of unnecessary violence.
- [X: Through the Valley of the Shadow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/x-through-the-valley-of-the-shadow): The sheik's respect for Tarzan as a lion-killer and the girl's bravery in saving him reflect codes of honor.
- [The Fifty Frightful Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/xxiii-the-fifty-frightful-men): Tarzan's inherent chivalry overcomes his passion, and his sense of duty to protect Jane overrides his personal sorrow.

## Revenge and Persecution

Nikolas Rokoff and his accomplice Paulvitch relentlessly pursue Tarzan out of vengeance, orchestrating ambushes, framing him, and plotting his murder throughout the narrative.

### Where it surfaces

- [The Ivory Raiders](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/xvi-the-ivory-raiders): The Waziri seek revenge for the murder of their chief's wife and the enslavement of their people, driving the conflict and the tragic charge.

## Love and Sacrifice

Tarzan's love for Jane Porter drives him to renounce his title and endure great personal suffering, while Jane's loyalty and eventual reunion with Tarzan highlight the theme of enduring love overcoming obstacles.

### Where it surfaces

- [Ships That Pass](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/xii-ships-that-pass): Tarzan sacrifices his claim to his birthright for Jane's happiness; Jane reluctantly considers marrying Clayton out of duty despite her love for Tarzan.
- [The Castaways](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/xxi-the-castaways): Jane breaks her engagement out of loyalty to her love for Tarzan, sacrificing social convention for emotional truth.
- [XXII: The Treasure Vaults of Opar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/xxii-the-treasure-vaults-of-opar): Tarzan's love for Jane leads him to spare Clayton despite intense jealousy, sacrificing his own desire for revenge.
- [XXV: Through the Forest Primeval](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/xxv-through-the-forest-primeval): Tarzan risks his life to save Jane from the altar, and Clayton sacrifices his secret to clear Tarzan's path.
- [The Passing of the Ape-Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/xxvi-the-passing-of-the-ape-man): Tarzan sacrifices his jungle life for love of Jane, and Jane pleads for mercy to protect their future happiness.

## Deception and Betrayal

Characters frequently use lies, false identities, and treachery—such as Rokoff's schemes, the card-sharping plot, and the false reports of Tarzan's death—to manipulate and harm others.

### Where it surfaces

- [The Affair on the Liner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/i-the-affair-on-the-liner): Rokoff and Paulvitch conspire to frame Count de Coude for cheating at cards, using a planted object and false accusations.
- [II: Forging Bonds of Hate and ⸻?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/ii-forging-bonds-of-hate-and): Rokoff and Paulvitch conspire to harass and harm the young woman, and the woman herself conceals the full nature of the threat from the authorities.
- [III: What Happened in the Rue Maule](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/iii-what-happened-in-the-rue-maule): The woman's false cries for help and subsequent false accusation against Tarzan exemplify deception and betrayal.
- [IV: The Countess Explains](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/iv-the-countess-explains): Rokoff and Paulvitch use blackmail and threats against the Count and Countess de Coude; the countess is coerced into silence.
- [The Plot That Failed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/v-the-plot-that-failed): Rokoff and Paulvitch deceive Tarzan with a false message from the countess, betraying his trust and attempting to ruin his reputation.
- [VI: A Duel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/vi-a-duel): Rokoff's plot and written confession are central to the chapter, revealing the deception that led to the duel and Tarzan's use of it to restore truth.

## Identity and Heritage

Tarzan grapples with his dual identity as both a noble English lord and a man raised by apes, questioning where he truly belongs and how his origins define him.

### Where it surfaces

- [III: What Happened in the Rue Maule](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/iii-what-happened-in-the-rue-maule): Tarzan rejects his noble heritage and title, choosing to remain a nameless vagabond, highlighting his struggle with identity.
- [John Caldwell, London](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/xi-john-caldwell-london): Tarzan reflects on his dual nature between civilization and the jungle; considers staying with Kadour ben Saden's tribe.
- [Ships That Pass](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/xii-ships-that-pass): Tarzan's hidden lineage as Lord Greystoke creates a conflict for Clayton; Tarzan uses an alias (Mr. Caldwell) and Rokoff disguises himself as Monsieur Thuran.
- [La](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/xx-la): La explains the ancient heritage of her people and their decline, while Tarzan's identity as both ape-man and civilized being is highlighted.
- [XXV: Through the Forest Primeval](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/xxv-through-the-forest-primeval): Clayton's revelation of D'Arnot's note confirms Tarzan's true identity as Lord Greystoke.

## Survival and Physical Prowess

Tarzan's jungle-honed strength, agility, and instincts enable him to survive deadly encounters with both wild animals and human enemies, emphasizing the theme of raw physical capability.

### Where it surfaces

- [IV: The Countess Explains](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/iv-the-countess-explains): Tarzan's physical strength and jungle instincts help him survive the Rue Maule ambush, but he must learn to navigate civilized law.
- [The Plot That Failed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/v-the-plot-that-failed): Tarzan's primal reaction to being struck—a near-lethal rage reminiscent of his ape upbringing—contrasts with his civilized restraint, highlighting his dual nature.
- [VII: The Dancing Girl of Sidi Aissa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/vii-the-dancing-girl-of-sidi-aissa): Tarzan's physical strength is demonstrated when he knocks out an Arab aggressor with a single punch, and he prepares to defend himself against multiple attackers.
- [VIII: The Fight in the Desert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/viii-the-fight-in-the-desert): Tarzan's agility and strength are highlighted as he leaps from a roof and fights off multiple attackers in the dark.
- [IX: Numa El Adrea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/ix-numa-el-adrea): Tarzan's survival instincts and physical abilities are highlighted as he kills the black lion with a rifle and then instinctively issues the ape's victory cry.
- [X: Through the Valley of the Shadow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/x-through-the-valley-of-the-shadow): Tarzan's escape from bonds and his confrontation with the lion demonstrate his primal strength and resourcefulness.

## Colonialism and Otherness

The book portrays African landscapes and peoples through an exoticized lens, with Tarzan acting as a 'white chief' among the Waziri, reflecting colonial attitudes of the era.

### Where it surfaces

- [VII: The Dancing Girl of Sidi Aissa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/vii-the-dancing-girl-of-sidi-aissa): The chapter highlights the tension between European colonizers and native Algerians, with Tarzan as an outsider navigating Arab culture and facing hostility as a 'Christian dog.'
- [VIII: The Fight in the Desert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/viii-the-fight-in-the-desert): Tarzan's admiration for the 'wild, rough lives' of the Arabs contrasts with the 'effeminate civilization' of European cities.
- [From Ape to Savage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/xv-from-ape-to-savage): The tribe's history of slave raids by Arabs and Manyuema highlights colonial violence, while Tarzan's integration into the tribe explores themes of otherness and belonging.
- [The Ivory Raiders](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/xvi-the-ivory-raiders): The Arab ivory raiders represent colonial exploitation, using advanced weapons to subjugate and enslave native Africans, whom Tarzan aids.
- [XVII: The White Chief of the Waziri](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/xvii-the-white-chief-of-the-waziri): The Arab raiders exploit African resources and people, while Tarzan, a white man, is accepted as chief by the Waziri, highlighting complex colonial dynamics.
- [XIX: The City of Gold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/xix-the-city-of-gold): The discovery of a white-skinned 'lost race' in Africa reflects colonial-era fascination with hidden civilizations and racial otherness.

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