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Cover of The Son of Tarzan

The Son of Tarzan

Written by Edgar Rice Burroughs

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Adventure storiesFantasy fictionTarzan (Fictitious character)

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About this book

"The Son of Tarzan" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a novel written during the early 20th century. This adventure tale continues the story of Tarzan, focusing on his son, Jack, who finds himself drawn to the primal instincts and the wild life of the jungle, much like his father before him. The early chapters set the stage for a narrative filled with themes of family, identity, and the clash between civilization and the untamed world as Jack embarks on his own journey influenced by his father's legacy. The opening of the novel introduces a variety of characters and situations that foreshadow the unfolding adventures. A boat named the "Marjorie W." navigates the Ugambi River, where a crew rescues an emaciated white man named Alexis Paulvitch, who recounts his harrowing years of suffering and survival in a savage tribe. Meanwhile, the narrative shifts to Jack, the son of Tarzan and Lady Greystoke, who exhibits a fascination with the wild and speaks the language of apes. His curiosity leads him into a conflict between his civilized upbringing and his inherent ties to the primal world. As he seeks adventure, events set in motion by Paulvitch's malevolence intertwine with Jack's aspirations, suggesting that the influences of both civilization and the jungle will profoundly impact his journey.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Son of Tarzan, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • adventure
  • thrilling
  • exotic

Edgar Rice Burroughs' "The Son of Tarzan" plunges readers into a thrilling adventure centered on Jack, the son of the legendary ape-man, Tarzan. Torn between a refined upbringing and an undeniable call to the wild, Jack embarks on a perilous journey that mirrors his father's, embracing his primal instincts as Korak, the Killer. His quest for identity and adventure intertwines with the malevolent schemes of Alexis Paulvitch, a recurring villain from Tarzan's past, leading to a dramatic clash between civilization's evils and the untamed jungle's raw justice. The narrative explores themes of heredity, environment, and the enduring legacy of a legendary figure, cementing the Tarzan mythos for a new generation.

“"He was Tarzan's son, and the call of the wild was in his blood."”

Key themes

Nature vs. Nurture / Civilization vs. Wilderness
This is the central thematic conflict, explored through Jack's upbringing and his eventual return to the jungle. The novel questions whether inherent instincts or learned behaviors ultimately define an individual, and whether the 'civilized' world is truly superior to the 'wild' in terms of morality and authenticity. Jack's struggle between his aristocratic identity and his primal urges highlights the tension between these two worlds.
Identity and Legacy
The novel deeply explores Jack's struggle to forge his own identity while living in the shadow of his famous father. It examines how a legendary legacy can both inspire and burden, and how one finds self-actualization by embracing or transcending that heritage. Jack's adoption of the name Korak signifies his creation of a unique identity.
Good vs. Evil / Justice in the Wild
The clear delineation between good and evil is a hallmark of Burroughs' writing. Paulvitch embodies pure, unadulterated evil, driven by revenge and cruelty, while Korak and Meriem represent innate goodness and a more primal, yet often fairer, form of justice. The jungle itself often serves as a moral arbiter, punishing wickedness and rewarding courage and loyalty.

Worth discussing

How does Jack's journey as Korak parallel, yet differ from, his father Tarzan's? What does this say about heredity versus environment?

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