The Beasts of Tarzan
What is The Beasts of Tarzan about?
The Beasts of Tarzan, published in 1914, is the third novel in Edgar Rice Burroughs's Tarzan series. The villains Rokoff and Paulvitch lure Tarzan aboard a ship and maroon him on a desolate island off the African coast while kidnapping his wife Jane and their infant son Jack. Stripped of weapons and allies, Tarzan must rely on his primal skills to survive and escape the island. He befriends Sheeta the panther and assembles a loyal band of great apes, forming a fearsome pack that becomes his weapon in the pursuit of the kidnappers. The chase takes Tarzan through dense jungles and along treacherous rivers as he tracks Rokoff, who grows increasingly desperate and cruel. Jane, meanwhile, demonstrates her own resourcefulness and courage as a captive. The novel builds to a dramatic confrontation in which Tarzan's jungle allies play a decisive role. The Beasts of Tarzan is among the darkest and most suspenseful entries in the series, emphasizing Tarzan's bond with the animals of the wild and his ferocity when his family is threatened.
Main themes in The Beasts of Tarzan
The bond between humans and animals
The bond between humans and animals emerges as a defining element in The Beasts of Tarzan, shaping character development.
Parenthood and protecting family
The Beasts of Tarzan thoughtfully explores parenthood and protecting family through its central conflicts.
Survival and resourcefulness
The Beasts of Tarzan thoughtfully explores survival and resourcefulness through its central conflicts.
Revenge and the cycle of villainy
The presence of revenge and the cycle of villainy in The Beasts of Tarzan connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Why The Beasts of Tarzan is still relevant today
The Beasts of Tarzan is notable for its darker tone and its emphasis on Tarzan's relationship with animals, showcasing the unique bond between the ape-man and his jungle allies. The novel introduced the recurring theme of threats against Tarzan's family and demonstrated Jane's capabilities as more than a damsel in distress. Its portrayal of animal-human cooperation influenced later adventure fiction and animal companion narratives. As a public-domain work, it offers readers one of the most intense and emotionally charged entries in the classic Tarzan series.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Beasts of Tarzan about?
The Beasts of Tarzan follows Tarzan after he is marooned on an island by the villain Rokoff, who kidnaps Jane and their baby. Tarzan befriends a panther and a band of apes, forming a pack to pursue Rokoff through the African jungle and rescue his family.
Who are the beasts in The Beasts of Tarzan?
The beasts are Tarzans animal allies: Sheeta the panther and a group of great apes who join Tarzan in his pursuit of the kidnappers. They fight alongside Tarzan as a coordinated pack.
Is Rokoff the villain again?
Yes, Nikolas Rokoff returns as the primary antagonist along with his accomplice Paulvitch. Their vendetta against Tarzan drives the plot of this novel to its conclusion.
Does Jane play an active role in this book?
Yes, Jane demonstrates significant courage and resourcefulness as a captive, taking action to protect herself and her son rather than simply waiting to be rescued.