# XVII explained — Tarzan and the Ant Men

> Chapter companion for Tarzan and the Ant Men by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## What happens

Tarzan and Komodoflorensal return to the quarry to rescue Talaskar, but find she has been purchased by Kalfastoban. After a sword fight with a guard who recognizes them, they learn Talaskar's new location and overhear Kalfastoban's plans for her. Caraftap, a slave who recognized Tarzan, is brought before Kalfastoban to reveal their identities.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Manipulation

Tarzan and Komodoflorensal disguise themselves as guards to infiltrate the quarry, and Caraftap manipulates the situation to gain freedom by revealing their identities.

### Slavery and Freedom

Talaskar is a slave bought and sold by Kalfastoban, who plans to profit from her; Tarzan risks recapture to free her.

### Survival and Adaptation

Tarzan uses his swordsmanship skills learned from D'Arnot to survive the guard fight, and both protagonists adapt to the quarry's dangers.

## Character check-ins

### Tarzan

Leads the rescue attempt for Talaskar, fights and kills a guard, and is recognized by Caraftap.

### Komodoflorensal

Accompanies Tarzan to the quarry, witnesses the fight, and helps navigate Veltopismakus.

### Talaskar

Has been purchased by Kalfastoban; is shown off as a beautiful slave with a queenly bearing.

### Kalfastoban

The Vental who bought Talaskar; plans to keep her for a time then sell her for profit.

### Caraftap

Slave who recognized Tarzan and is brought to Kalfastoban to reveal the information.

### Zoanthrohago

Mentioned as Talaskar's former master who sold her to Kalfastoban.

### Hamadalban

Friend of Kalfastoban; present when Talaskar is shown and when Caraftap is brought in.

### Zertolosto

Komodoflorensal's alias used in the chapter; guides Tarzan and comments on the rescue's difficulty.

## Key lines

> “Where now?” demanded Komodoflorensal as the two emerged from the mouth of The Slaves’ Corridor and stood for a moment in the brilliant sunlight without.

Komodoflorensal asks Tarzan where they are going after leaving the Slaves' Corridor.

_Opening of the chapter, sets the scene for their escape and rescue plan._

> “I know,” said the Zertolosto, “and I commend your loyalty and valor while deprecating your judgment. It will be impossible to rescue Talaskar.”

Komodoflorensal praises Tarzan's loyalty but warns that rescuing Talaskar is impossible.

_Highlights the theme of loyalty versus practicality._

> “But my sword is no fool,” snapped the fellow, as he thrust viciously at the ape-man’s breast.

The guard attacks Tarzan with his sword, confident in his skill.

_Leads to the sword fight where Tarzan kills the guard._

> “She is not here. Kalfastoban took her away. He has purchased her from Zoanthrohago.”

Komodoflorensal reports that Talaskar has been bought by Kalfastoban and is no longer in the chamber.

_Reveals the new obstacle in their rescue mission._

> “I shall keep her for a time and then sell her while her value is still high. I should make a pretty profit from her.”

Kalfastoban plans to use Talaskar temporarily and then sell her for profit.

_Illustrates the commodification of slaves in Veltopismakus._

> “News travels fast in Veltopismakus,” said Caraftap, “and so it was that we in the quarry heard of the death of the two slaves, Aoponato and Zuanthrol, within a short time after their bodies were discovered.”

Caraftap explains that news of the slaves' deaths spread quickly through the quarry.

_Sets up Caraftap's recognition of Tarzan and his plan to betray them._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_and_the_ant_men_se/chapters/xvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_and_the_ant_men_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_and_the_ant_men_se/chapters