Jungle Tales of Tarzan · Chapter
The Capture of Tarzan explained
Black warriors dig a pit trap on a game trail, which Tarzan observes from the trees.
What happens
Black warriors dig a pit trap on a game trail, which Tarzan observes from the trees. He is later captured by the villagers, but escapes his bonds during the death dance. Tantor the elephant bursts through the palisade, scattering the attackers. Tarzan later reflects on his friendship with Tantor and realizes the pit was meant for the elephant, rushing to warn him.
Themes in this chapter
Curiosity and Knowledge
Tarzan's intense observation of the black warriors' pit-digging and his subsequent reasoning about its purpose demonstrate his innate curiosity and developing intellect.
Survival and Instinct
Tarzan's fierce fight for survival during his capture and the death dance, as well as his instinctual bond with Tantor, highlight the theme of survival and instinct.
Love and Affection
Tarzan's deep affection for Tantor, his only true companion since Kala's death, is explored through their companionship and Tarzan's selfless rush to warn the elephant of the pit.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Observes the black warriors digging a pit trap, is captured and bound, escapes his bonds during the death dance, fights the villagers, and is rescued by Tantor. Later reflects on his friendship with Tantor and rushes to warn him of the pit.
- Mbonga
The chief of the black village who orders a warrior to spear Tarzan during the struggle.
- Tantor
The elephant who bursts through the village palisade, scattering the blacks and rescuing Tarzan. Tarzan later realizes the pit was meant for Tantor and rushes to warn him.
- Numa
The lion who is awakened by the noise of the digging blacks but, being well-fed, slinks away.
- Gomangani
The black warriors who dig the pit trap and later capture Tarzan; they are referred to collectively as Gomangani.
Key passages
“The black warriors labored in the humid heat of the jungle’s stifling shade. With war spears they loosened the thick, black loam and the deep layers of rotting vegetation.”
In the oppressive jungle heat, black warriors used their spears to dig through the dark soil and decaying plant matter.
Describes the physical labor of digging the pit trap.
“Tarzan could not guess the purpose of so great a labor. And when they cut long stakes, sharpened at their upper ends, and set them at intervals upright in the bottom of the pit, his wonderment but increased.”
Tarzan was puzzled by the purpose of the large hole and the sharpened stakes placed upright at its bottom.
Shows Tarzan's curiosity and lack of understanding of the trap.
“Like thought, for quickness, he leaped forward among the warriors nearest him. A blow sent one to earth, as, growling and snarling, the beast-man leaped upon the breast of another.”
With lightning speed, Tarzan sprang at the nearest warriors, knocking one down and pouncing on another with growls and snarls.
Depicts Tarzan's explosive escape attempt during the death dance.
“It was the call of the stomach—the most compelling and insistent call which the jungle knows—that took Tarzan finally back to the trees and off in search of food, while Tantor continued his interrupted journey in the opposite direction.”
Hunger, the most urgent drive in the jungle, eventually forced Tarzan to leave Tantor and hunt for food.
Explains the natural separation between Tarzan and Tantor due to their different dietary needs.