The Return of Tarzan
What is The Return of Tarzan about?
The Return of Tarzan, published in 1913, is the second novel in Edgar Rice Burroughs's Tarzan series and continues directly from where Tarzan of the Apes ended. Having renounced his claim to the Greystoke title so that Jane Porter might marry his cousin William Clayton, Tarzan travels to Paris, where he becomes entangled with the schemes of the villainous Nikolas Rokoff and his accomplice Paulvitch. After surviving assassination attempts and fighting duels, Tarzan accepts a mission from the French Ministry of War that takes him to North Africa, where he lives among the Ouled Nail tribe and earns their respect. Eventually drawn back to his African jungle, Tarzan returns to the ways of the wild, swinging through the forest canopy and reclaiming his lordship over the apes and beasts. When fate brings him to the lost city of Opar, filled with treasure and ruled by the priestess La, and reunites him with Jane under dramatic circumstances, Tarzan must choose once and for all where he belongs. The Return of Tarzan expands the scope of the series from jungle adventure to international intrigue and introduces the fabled city of Opar.
Main themes in The Return of Tarzan
The pull between civilization and the wild
The theme of the pull between civilization and the wild weaves through The Return of Tarzan, adding depth to its narrative.
Sacrifice and selfless love
The Return of Tarzan thoughtfully explores sacrifice and selfless love through its central conflicts.
International espionage and intrigue
The presence of international espionage and intrigue in The Return of Tarzan connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Lost cities and hidden treasures
Lost cities and hidden treasures emerges as a defining element in The Return of Tarzan, shaping character development.
Why The Return of Tarzan is still relevant today
The Return of Tarzan expanded the series from its jungle origins into a globe-spanning adventure, establishing the template for Tarzan as both a civilized gentleman and a jungle lord. The novel introduced the lost city of Opar, which became a recurring and beloved location in the Tarzan mythos. It also introduced the villain Rokoff, one of Tarzan's most persistent adversaries. As a public-domain work, it offers readers the full evolution of Burroughs's most famous character from reluctant civilized man back to his true nature in the wild.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in The Return of Tarzan?
After giving up his claim to the Greystoke title, Tarzan travels through Paris and North Africa before returning to the African jungle. He discovers the treasure-filled lost city of Opar and is reunited with Jane Porter, finally resolving the romantic tension of the first novel.
What is the city of Opar?
Opar is a lost city introduced in The Return of Tarzan, supposedly a colony of ancient Atlantis. It is filled with gold and treasure and ruled by the priestess La, who becomes infatuated with Tarzan. Opar recurs throughout the series.
Do Tarzan and Jane end up together?
Yes, The Return of Tarzan resolves the romantic tension of the first novel. Tarzan and Jane are reunited and ultimately married, establishing their partnership for the rest of the series.
Who is Rokoff in the Tarzan series?
Nikolas Rokoff is a Russian spy and one of Tarzans most dangerous recurring villains. He first appears in The Return of Tarzan, scheming against the ape-man in Paris, and continues to menace Tarzan in later novels.