Tarzan and the Ant Men · Chapter
VII explained
Tarzan observes the military preparations of Trohanadalmakus against the Veltopismakusians, reflecting on the pure patriotism of the Minunians.
What happens
Tarzan observes the military preparations of Trohanadalmakus against the Veltopismakusians, reflecting on the pure patriotism of the Minunians. Meanwhile, the Alalus youth, son of The First Woman, hunts with two older males and kills a female who threatens him, gaining their awe and reverence. Tarzan is honored by King Adendrohahkis with friendship and permission to join the front, where he meets Prince Komodoflorensal as the enemy approaches.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Hierarchy
The military structure of Trohanadalmakus, with officers directing slaves and a clear chain of command, illustrates hierarchical power dynamics.
Survival and Adaptation
The Alalus youth adapts by using bow and spear to kill a female, challenging traditional gender roles and ensuring his survival.
Civilization vs. Primitivism
The contrast between the organized Minunian army and the primitive Alalus society highlights different stages of development and conflict.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Observes military dispositions, reflects on Minunian patriotism, receives friendship from King Adendrohahkis, and joins the front with a leafy branch.
- Komodoflorensal
Greets Tarzan at the cavalry advance and reports enemy strength of 20-30 thousand Veltopismakusians.
- Adendrohahkis
King of Trohanadalmakus, resplendent in golden armor, grants Tarzan his friendship and permission to join the front.
- The First Woman
Mentioned as the mother of the Alalus youth; her son kills a female in the forest.
- The Alalus
The son of The First Woman hunts with two older males, kills a threatening female with his bow, and earns their awe.
- The Officer
Explains military dispositions to Tarzan, including the rotation between infantry and cavalry duties.
Key passages
“No chicanery of politics here, no thinly veiled ambition of some potential tyrant, no mad conception of hair-brained dreamers seized by the avaricious criminal for self-aggrandizement and riches; none of these, but patriotism of purest strain energized by the powerful urge of self-preservation.”
Tarzan reflects that the Minunians fight out of genuine patriotism and self-preservation, unlike the political manipulations and false propaganda that drive wars in the outer world.
Highlights Tarzan's admiration for Minunian motives and contrasts them with human warfare.
“The woman, unaccustomed to having her rights challenged by mere man, was filled with surprise and righteous anger.”
The female Alalus is shocked and angered that a male dares to defy her authority.
Illustrates the reversed gender hierarchy in Alalus society.