The Beasts of Tarzan (Classic Ace SF, F-203)
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The Beasts of Tarzan (Classic Ace SF, F-203)
Burroughs's "The Beasts of Tarzan" offers a vigorous continuation of the Ape Man's adventures, focusing on the desperate efforts to reclaim his abducted son and wife. The narrative propulsion is undeniable, with Tarzan's legendary command over the jungle beasts serving as a consistent highlight, particularly in his confrontation with the lioness La. However, the plot hinges on a series of rather convoluted machinations involving the villainous Rokoff and his associates, stretching credulity even within the established fantastical framework. The novel excels in depicting Tarzan's primal nature and his deep connection to the animal kingdom, but the human antagonists and their schemes sometimes feel less compelling than the wild forces at play. It is a potent, if occasionally melodramatic, exploration of paternal instinct and the defense of one's domain against encroaching corruption.
📝 Description
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Published in 1913, Edgar Rice Burroughs's "The Beasts of Tarzan" follows Tarzan and Jane into a conflict threatening their jungle home.
Edgar Rice Burroughs's "The Beasts of Tarzan," first serialized in 1913, continues the story of John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, and his jungle-raised son. This novel finds Tarzan and his mate, Jane Porter, caught in a dangerous struggle that endangers their lives and the African jungle's stability. The plot moves quickly, immersing readers in a world where raw instinct conflicts with human schemes and betrayal.
The story focuses on the plots of Paul d'Arnot and the villainous Rokoff, who aim to seize Tarzan's birthright and his jungle territory. Tarzan, known for his strength and familiarity with the wild, faces clever enemies who pretend to be civilized. Burroughs depicts the jungle as a dynamic force, governed by its own rules and populated by animals Tarzan can control.
"The Beasts of Tarzan" appeared during the pulp magazine era, appealing to a public interested in exotic settings and heroic figures. Burroughs, like H. Rider Haggard, helped define a genre mixing adventure with speculative ideas, often touching on the noble savage and the wild spirit. This period also saw growing interest in anthropology and exploration, elements Burroughs wove into his tales, creating a unique blend of escape and early social observation.
While primarily an adventure tale, "The Beasts of Tarzan" engages with ideas prevalent in early 20th-century spiritual and philosophical thought. Burroughs's portrayal of Tarzan, deeply connected to the natural world and possessing an almost supernatural command over its creatures, echoes concepts of primal wisdom and innate human potential. The novel reflects a fascination with the 'noble savage' archetype, suggesting that true strength and understanding can be found outside conventional society, rooted in a direct, intuitive connection to the earth and its inhabitants.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Learn how Tarzan's primal instincts and deep connection to the jungle, specifically his ability to command creatures like the lioness La, are tested against human treachery, offering a unique perspective on natural leadership. • Understand the historical context of early 20th-century pulp adventure fiction, exemplified by the 1920 publication of this novel, and how it shaped popular perceptions of heroism and exoticism. • Experience the narrative tension arising from the conflict between Tarzan's civilized identity as Lord Greystoke and his wild upbringing, a theme central to the plot's resolution in the African jungle.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary conflict in "The Beasts of Tarzan"?
The central conflict involves Tarzan's desperate efforts to rescue his wife, Jane, and their infant son, Kor, who are abducted by the villainous Paul d'Arnot and the Russian spy Rokoff. Tarzan must battle both human antagonists and the wild to reclaim his family and protect his jungle domain.
Who are the main antagonists in the book?
The primary antagonists are Paul d'Arnot, a French sailor with ulterior motives, and the Russian spy Ivan Rokoff. They orchestrate the kidnapping of Tarzan's family, seeking to exploit the resources and political landscape of the region for their own gain.
How does Tarzan communicate with or control the animals in the story?
Tarzan possesses an innate, almost mystical, understanding of the jungle's creatures. He communicates through a complex system of calls, gestures, and empathy, allowing him to direct them, as seen when he commands the lioness La and her cubs.
What is the significance of the lioness La in the narrative?
La is a recurring character and a powerful symbol of the jungle's wild might. Tarzan shares a unique bond with her, and her presence often aids him, representing the untamed forces he commands and the primal law of the jungle.
When was "The Beasts of Tarzan" originally published?
"The Beasts of Tarzan" was first serialized in the magazine *The New Story Magazine* in 1913 and later published as a novel in 1920, solidifying its place within the popular pulp fiction era.
Does this book feature Tarzan's origin story?
No, "The Beasts of Tarzan" is a sequel. Tarzan's origin and early life in the jungle are detailed in the first novel, "Tarzan of the Apes" (1912). This book focuses on his adult life and family.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
The Dual Nature of Man
The narrative constantly grapples with Tarzan's split existence as Lord Greystoke and the wild Ape Man. This duality is not a weakness but a source of his unique strength, allowing him to navigate both the intricacies of human society and the raw power of the natural world. The conflict arises when external forces seek to exploit one side of his identity against the other, forcing a synthesis to protect his family and domain. This theme questions the very definition of 'civilized' behavior, contrasting it with the often purer instincts of the wild.
Primal Law and Natural Order
Burroughs presents the African jungle as a realm governed by an ancient, unwritten code of survival and dominance. Tarzan, having grown up under this 'primal law,' embodies its principles, demonstrating a profound respect for the natural hierarchy. His ability to communicate with and command beasts like the lioness La highlights this connection, positioning him as a benevolent ruler of his domain. The intrusion of human greed and ambition disrupts this order, posing a threat that only Tarzan, as the embodiment of the jungle's spirit, can repel.
The Corrupting Influence of Greed
Human antagonists, particularly Ivan Rokoff and Paul d'Arnot, are driven by avarice and a lust for power, seeking to exploit Tarzan's lineage and the jungle's resources. Their actions—kidnapping, betrayal, and deception—stand in stark contrast to the straightforward, albeit brutal, justice of the jungle. This theme serves as a critique of civilization's darker side, suggesting that the veneer of society can mask profound moral corruption, while the 'savage' Tarzan operates with a more inherent sense of justice and protection.
Paternal Instinct and Protection
The abduction of Tarzan's infant son, Kor, ignites his most powerful instincts as a father and protector. The narrative emphasizes the ferocity with which he defends his mate and child, demonstrating that the primal drive to protect offspring is a fundamental force, transcending both human and animal realms. This maternal/paternal drive becomes the primary motivator for Tarzan's actions, pushing him to confront overwhelming odds and reaffirm his dominion over the jungle.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“The jungle was his heritage, and he was its master.”
— This statement captures Tarzan's inherent connection to and dominion over the African wilderness. It suggests a natural right and a deep, almost spiritual, bond that predates his civilized lineage, positioning him as the true king of his environment.
“He was the ape-man, the child of the jungle, and the law of tooth and claw was his birthright.”
— This highlights Tarzan's unique identity, forged by his upbringing. It emphasizes the primal law of survival and strength that governs his world, suggesting that his 'savage' nature is not a defect but a fundamental aspect of his being and his claim to authority.
“The lioness La was his ally, a creature of the wild that recognized the man who understood its ways.”
— This illustrates Tarzan's extraordinary empathy and communication with animals. La's allegiance signifies his mastery not through force alone, but through a shared understanding of the jungle's rhythms and needs, making him a natural leader among its inhabitants.
“Civilization had not tamed the primal fire that burned within him.”
— This interpretation speaks to the enduring power of Tarzan's wild nature, suggesting that his exposure to human society has not extinguished his fundamental instincts. The 'primal fire' represents his inherent strength, passion, and connection to the natural world that remains untamed.
“His father's blood might claim him for England, but the jungle's call was the song of his soul.”
— This captures the central tension of Tarzan's identity: the pull between his aristocratic English heritage and his true home in the African jungle. It posits that his deepest connection and sense of belonging lie with the wild, shaping his actions and worldview.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
While not explicitly aligned with a single esoteric tradition, "The Beasts of Tarzan" appeals to themes found in animism and certain interpretations of Hermeticism, particularly the concept of the 'As Above, So Below.' Tarzan's profound connection to the natural world and his ability to command its creatures echo shamanic practices where the practitioner acts as a mediator between the human and spirit realms. His innate understanding of primal law can be seen as a form of natural gnosis, an intuitive knowing of the world's fundamental forces, separate from formalized doctrine.
Symbolism
The jungle itself serves as a potent symbol of the unconscious mind and the primal forces that lie beneath the surface of civilized existence. Tarzan represents the integrated self, harmonizing the rational (Lord Greystoke) with the instinctual (Ape Man). The lioness La symbolizes untamed power, maternal ferocity, and the raw, often dangerous, beauty of nature. Tarzan's control over her signifies mastery over these powerful, archetypal energies within himself and his environment.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary ecopsychology and nature-based spiritual movements often draw parallels with Tarzan's deep communion with the environment. His ability to live in harmony with the wild, rather than seeking to dominate it through technology, appeals to modern concerns about ecological balance. Furthermore, the theme of integrating different aspects of the self—civilized versus primal—remains relevant in discussions of personal growth and authenticity, resonating with modern therapeutic and self-help philosophies.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Readers interested in the roots of adventure fiction and the evolution of the 'hero' archetype, particularly those seeking to understand the appeal of pulp narratives from the early 20th century. • Enthusiasts of ecological themes in literature, who will appreciate Tarzan's deep, instinctual connection to the natural world and his role as a protector of the jungle. • Those exploring concepts of identity and duality, specifically how an individual can embody both 'civilized' and 'wild' aspects, and the strengths that arise from such integration.
📜 Historical Context
Published in 1920, "The Beasts of Tarzan" emerged during a vibrant period for pulp fiction, a genre that thrived on serialized adventure stories published in inexpensive magazines. Edgar Rice Burroughs, already famous for "Tarzan of the Apes" (1912), tapped into a public fascination with exotic locales, heroic figures, and the concept of the 'noble savage.' This era saw rapid advancements in anthropology and exploration, fueling imaginative narratives about distant lands and peoples. Burroughs's work competed for reader attention with other popular adventure writers like H. Rider Haggard, who also explored themes of lost worlds and heroic protagonists. While not heavily debated in academic circles at the time, Burroughs's stories were immensely popular, influencing later adventure and science fiction. The narrative's depiction of African settings and its portrayal of Tarzan's command over animals reflected both romanticized notions of empire and a burgeoning interest in the natural world, though often filtered through a distinctly Western lens.
📔 Journal Prompts
Tarzan's mastery over the jungle's beasts, such as the lioness La, and its esoteric interpretations.
The clash between Tarzan's 'primal law' and the corrupt machinations of human antagonists like Rokoff.
Reflecting on the duality of Lord Greystoke versus the Ape Man and its personal significance.
The symbolic meaning of the African jungle as a representation of the unconscious.
The concept of 'natural order' versus imposed societal rules as seen in Tarzan's world.
🗂️ Glossary
Ape Man
A term used to describe Tarzan due to his upbringing by apes in the African jungle. It signifies his unique identity, bridging the gap between human and animal existence and embodying primal strength.
Primal Law
The unwritten code of nature governing survival, dominance, and instinct in the wild. Tarzan embodies this law, demonstrating an innate understanding of the jungle's hierarchy and the rules of tooth and claw.
Lord Greystoke
Tarzan's English aristocratic title and identity. This represents his civilized heritage and connection to European society, contrasting with his wild upbringing and creating a significant duality in his character.
La
A powerful lioness in the jungle with whom Tarzan shares a unique bond. She represents the untamed spirit of the wild and often acts as an ally or symbol of nature's formidable power.
Rokoff
The primary human antagonist in "The Beasts of Tarzan," a Russian spy driven by greed and malice. His actions, including the kidnapping of Tarzan's family, represent the corruption and betrayal that civilization can foster.
Kor
Tarzan and Jane's infant son, whose abduction forms a central plot point. His vulnerability fuels Tarzan's protective instincts and drives much of the narrative's conflict and action.
Paul d'Arnot
A French sailor who initially appears as a rescuer but is revealed to have ulterior, exploitative motives. He represents the deceptive nature of human ambition when contrasted with the jungle's more direct laws.
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