Tarzan and the Golden Lion · Chapter
A Strange, Flat Tower explained
Tarzan discovers a white old man in the east tower of the Palace of Diamonds, who reveals La is imprisoned in a flat-topped tower.
What happens
Tarzan discovers a white old man in the east tower of the Palace of Diamonds, who reveals La is imprisoned in a flat-topped tower. Despite the old man's warnings of hopelessness, Tarzan resolves to rescue her. He crosses the roof to the tower, but is discovered by a Gomangani guard. The guard leads him to a chamber where La is on trial before the Bolgani and a chained lion, with the old man present, suggesting betrayal. Tarzan plans to incite the Gomangani guards to revolt.
Themes in this chapter
Slavery and Oppression
The Gomangani are kept as slaves by the Bolgani, and the old man describes the perpetual slavery that prevents escape.
Courage and Sacrifice
Tarzan risks his life to rescue La, showing courage in the face of overwhelming odds.
Civilization vs. Wilderness
The contrast between the advanced diamond-cutting knowledge of the old man and the primitive, beast-like society of the Bolgani.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Discovers the old man in the east tower, learns of La's imprisonment, and attempts to rescue her from the flat tower.
- La
Imprisoned in the flat tower and later brought before the Bolgani council, where she is sentenced to be devoured by the lion.
- Bolgani
The gorilla-men rulers of the palace; they hold La captive and preside over her trial.
- The Waziri
Referenced as Gomangani slaves; Tarzan attempts to recruit them to fight against the Bolgani.
Key passages
“I do not know you, but I believe that I may trust you, since after all blood ties are strong, and we are the only men of our race in this valley.”
Tarzan expresses tentative trust in the old man based on their shared racial heritage and isolation.
Highlights Tarzan's reliance on racial kinship in a hostile environment.
“You have been here so long that you are beginning to assume the attitude of mind that keeps the Gomangani in perpetual slavery.”
Tarzan criticizes the old man for adopting the fatalistic mindset of the enslaved Gomangani.
Reflects the theme of slavery and the psychological effects of oppression.
“If it is necessary for me to enter the room, then will you accompany me and tell the other Gomangani that if they will fight for me I will take them out of the valley?”
Tarzan asks the Gomangani guard to rally the other slaves to fight for their freedom.
Shows Tarzan's strategy of inciting rebellion among the oppressed.