Tarzan of the Apes

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Tarzan of the Apes

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Set in the wilds of Africa, this classic adventure follows John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, and his wife Alice as they vanish aboard a mutinous vessel, leaving their fate to the mercy of the jungle. Raised among apes, the mysterious Tarzan emerges to save them, bridging the divide between primal nature and civilized society in a tale of heroism, identity, and enduring love.

Summary up to 500 words

Edgar Rice Burroughs' *Tarzan of the Apes* chronicles the dramatic life of John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, a nobleman who, after a shipwreck in Africa, is presumed dead and raised by apes as 'Tarzan.' The narrative begins with the disappearance of Lord Greystoke and his wife, Lady Alice, aboard the *Fuwalda*, a vessel crewed by brutal sailors. After the ship is lost, the story shifts to the African jungle, where Tarzan encounters the couple. They face immediate peril from a man-eating lioness, Sabor, whom Tarzan defeats with superhuman strength and agility. As the plot develops, Tarzan's dual nature is explored; he is a 'forest god' capable of incredible feats, yet he struggles with the ethics of civilization versus the savage instincts he was born into. The story introduces various characters, including the loyal Esmeralda and the skeptical Professor Porter, who initially view Tarzan as a mere wild man. Tensions rise when a suitor, Robert Canler, attempts to force a marriage upon Jane, prompting Tarzan to intervene and reveal his capacity for civilized justice by sparing Canler's life. A significant revelation occurs when Tarzan explains his origins: he was born to a human mother and an ape father, making him the 'King of the Apes' by birthright. He eventually proves his humanity and his true identity as Lord Greystoke through forensic evidence, specifically fingerprints, provided by his old friend D'Arnot. This resolution allows him to reclaim his title and estates without sacrificing his connection to Jane. The novel concludes with Tarzan choosing a life of love and civilization over his past as a wild man. He marries Jane, leaving behind the jungle to live among humans, while maintaining his unique heritage. The story serves as a profound exploration of heredity versus environment, questioning whether a person's nature is defined by their upbringing or their bloodline. Through Tarzan's journey, the text argues that the highest form of civilization is not merely social status, but the moral choice to protect the weak and embrace compassion, qualities Tarzan possesses in abundance despite his savage upbringing.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/edgar-rice-burroughs_tarzan-of-the-apes.epub

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Categories

• Adventure
• Fiction