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Cover of Tarzan the Untamed

Tarzan the Untamed

Written by Edgar Rice Burroughs

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Adventure storiesFantasy fictionTarzan (Fictitious character)

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About this book

"Tarzan the Untamed" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a novel written in the early 20th century, which continues the adventures of the iconic character, Tarzan. The story unfolds amidst the backdrop of World War I, particularly focusing on the conflict between British and German forces in East Africa. At its core, the book explores themes of revenge, primal instincts, and the clash of civilization and savagery, with Tarzan serving as the embodiment of the jungle's untamed spirit. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the German Captain Fritz Schneider and his men as they navigate the African wilderness, intent on finding the residence of John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, unaware of the impending war tensions. In a parallel storyline, Tarzan, informed of the war, rushes home to protect his wife, Jane. Upon arrival, he discovers a brutal attack on their home and the devastating loss of Jane, which drives him into a primal state of vengeance against the Germans. The two plotlines converge as Tarzan seeks not only to avenge his wife's death but also to engage with the broader conflict, resulting in a gripping narrative that highlights his fierce resolve and return to his primal roots.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Tarzan the Untamed, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • adventurous
  • vengeful
  • savage

Tarzan the Untamed plunges the ape-man into the chaos of World War I, where his peaceful jungle existence is shattered by German forces. Believing his beloved Jane to have been brutally murdered and his home burned, Tarzan embarks on a relentless and savage quest for vengeance against the perpetrators. This journey takes him deep into uncharted regions of Africa, where he encounters lost cities, ancient civilizations, and a myriad of dangers, forcing him to confront the darkest aspects of his own dual nature. The novel explores themes of war, revenge, and the thin line between civilization and primal savagery, pushing Tarzan to his most brutal and untamed limits.

“No man can escape the call of the wild, least of all Tarzan of the Apes.”

Key themes

Revenge and Justice
The central driving force of the narrative. Tarzan's belief that Jane has been murdered fuels an intense, brutal quest for vengeance against the German perpetrators. This theme explores the consuming nature of revenge and how it transforms an individual, pushing Tarzan to his most primal and morally ambiguous state. It questions the distinction between personal retribution and true justice.
Savagery vs. Civilization
A core Tarzan theme that is intensified in this novel. Tarzan, usually depicted as a bridge between the two, is pushed firmly back into his savage nature by grief and the 'civilized' violence of war. The book explores the idea that civilization is a thin veneer, easily stripped away, and that primal instincts can emerge under extreme duress, even from those considered 'enlightened.'
The Horrors of War
Set against the backdrop of World War I, the novel depicts the brutal and destructive impact of global conflict on both the natural world and human societies. It highlights how 'civilized' warfare can be as savage, if not more so, than the struggles of the wild, bringing chaos and destruction to previously untouched regions.

Worth discussing

How does Tarzan's character evolve in 'The Untamed' compared to earlier novels, particularly in his embrace of savagery?

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