The Son of Tarzan
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This classic adventure tale offers a thrilling exploration of identity and belonging, blending jungle survival with a poignant love story that will captivate fans of Tarzan and coming-of-age narratives.
Edition details
Book Summary
Jack Clayton, son of Tarzan, is kidnapped to Africa by the vengeful Alexis Paulvitch. After Paulvitch's death, Jack and the ape Akut flee into the jungle, where Jack becomes the fierce warrior Korak. He rescues a girl named Meriem, and their journey explores identity, love, and the clash between civilization and the wild.
The story begins with Alexis Paulvitch, a disfigured survivor of the jungle, who brings a trained ape named Akut to London. Jack Clayton, Tarzan's son, defies his parents to visit the ape, and Paulvitch exploits Jack's fascination to kidnap him to Africa. After Paulvitch is killed, Jack and Akut escape into the jungle, where Jack adopts the name Korak and learns to survive. He rescues Meriem from an Arab village, and they form a deep bond. Years later, they are separated when Meriem is taken to a European farm, and Korak watches over her from afar, renouncing his love for her happiness. Meriem is kidnapped again by the villainous Hanson, and Korak, with the help of Tarzan, rescues her. The novel culminates in a reunion between father and son, and Meriem and Korak find their place between two worlds.
Reading guide
Go deeper in The Son of Tarzan
Character guides, themes, chapter companions — plus Character Web, narrative arc, and theme heatmap teasers that unlock fully beside the text in BetterReads.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
Korak
Korak is the son of Tarzan, a young man torn between his English heritage and his savage jungle upbringing. He is fiercely independent and quick to anger, driven by a desire for vengeance and acceptance among the great apes. His struggle to find his place in both worlds makes him a compelling protagonist as he navigates the dangers of the wild and his own identity.
Meriem
Meriem is a young woman who has grown up in the jungle, possessing a unique blend of innocence and survival skills. Her abduction sets off a chain of events that draws Korak into a quest to rescue her, highlighting her role as a catalyst for the plot. Her relationship with Korak deepens as they navigate the perils of the wild, making her a central figure in the story's emotional core.
Morison Baynes
Morison Baynes is an Englishman who finds himself in the African jungle, initially seeking to rescue Meriem. His sense of honor and duty compels him to pursue her, even when wounded and facing danger. His presence introduces a romantic rivalry with Korak, adding tension and complexity to the narrative as he struggles with his feelings and obligations.
Mr. Hanson
Mr. Hanson is a trader whose past encounters with Tarzan have fueled a desire for revenge. He becomes entangled in the abduction of Meriem, using her as a pawn in his schemes. His criminal nature and willingness to manipulate others make him a persistent threat, complicating the protagonists' journey and highlighting the dangers of the jungle.
Malbihn
Malbihn is a Swedish trader whose cowardice and greed lead him to abduct Meriem for ransom. He is easily intimidated and quick to betray others, as seen when he shifts blame to Baynes under Korak's interrogation. His actions set off a chain of events that force Korak to rescue Meriem, establishing him as a recurring antagonist.
Akut
Akut is a great ape who shares a deep bond with Tarzan and later his son, Korak. He is loyal and protective, often serving as a guide and ally in the jungle. His presence symbolizes the connection between the human and animal worlds, and his actions help shape Korak's identity and path.
Nature vs. Nurture
The book explores the tension between inherited instincts and civilized upbringing, as seen in Jack Clayton's innate attraction to the jungle and his father's savage past, despite being raised in English nobility.
Civilization vs. Savagery
The narrative contrasts the refined, restrictive world of London society with the raw, freedom of the African jungle, showing characters like Korak and Meriem oscillating between these two states.
Revenge and Redemption
Alexis Paulvitch's desire for revenge against Tarzan drives the plot, while characters like Korak seek redemption through protecting Meriem and renouncing his savage impulses.
Love and Sacrifice
Korak's love for Meriem leads him to renounce his own desires and watch over her from afar, prioritizing her happiness and safety over his own.