Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs captivates with its adventurous plot and imaginative setting. Reviewers praise its portrayal of the jungle and Tarzan's character development. However, some criticize its outdated colonial perspectives and racial stereotypes. Overall, the novel remains a thrilling but controversial classic in adventure literature.

A reader who enjoys adventure, jungle settings, and classic hero tales would love Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Fans of Kipling's The Jungle Book and H. Rider Haggard's King Solomon's Mines will appreciate its thrilling narrative and exploration of nature and civilization.

Tarzan of the Apes follows John Clayton, or Tarzan, an orphaned English boy raised by apes in the African jungle. He grows up mastering survival skills and later encounters a group of marooned humans, including Jane Porter, with whom he falls in love. Eventually, Tarzan learns about his English heritage and attempts to rejoin human civilization in pursuit of Jane. The book contains racist ideology and language, as well as depictions of racially motivated violence.

Adventurous / Fantastical / Suspenseful / Romantic / Emotional

- Tarzan of the Apes was first published in 1912 in the pulp magazine The All-Story, becoming an instant success and leading to numerous sequels and adaptations in various media.
- Edgar Rice Burroughs created Tarzan as an archetype of a "noble savage," inspiring countless other adventure characters and influencing the portrayal of wilderness living.
- Tarzan's character has become one of the most enduring icons of popular culture, featuring in over 25 authorized novels by Burroughs and hundreds of films, making him a cultural symbol recognized worldwide.

Edgar Rice Burroughs

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Tarzan

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Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Tarzan of the Apes and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Tarzan of the Apes Summary

Background

Tarzan of the Apes Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

Tarzan of the Apes Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-10

Tarzan of the Apes Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-16

Tarzan of the Apes Chapters 11-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-22

Tarzan of the Apes Chapters 17-22 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 23-28

Tarzan of the Apes Chapters 23-28 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Tarzan of the Apes Character Analysis

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Themes

Tarzan of the Apes Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Tarzan of the Apes Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Tarzan of the Apes Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Tarzan of the Apes Essay Topics

Tarzan of the Apes

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Tarzan of the Apes?

Reading Age

Book Details