Tarzan and the Golden Lion · Chapter
The Dead Return explained
Tarzan reunites with Jane, revealing that Esteban Miranda had been impersonating him.
What happens
Tarzan reunites with Jane, revealing that Esteban Miranda had been impersonating him. Jane had been deceived by the impostor, but Tarzan's arrival exposes the truth. Tarzan sends Jad-bal-ja to capture Esteban, who is later presumed dead after being mauled and swept into a river. The Waziri discover that the gold they buried has been stolen, likely by Owaza and Esteban. Flora Hawkes repents and is allowed to stay with Tarzan and Jane. The chapter ends with the group heading home, meeting the Waziri, and Tarzan learning of Esteban's cowardly behavior.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Deception
Esteban's impersonation of Tarzan creates confusion and nearly destroys Tarzan's relationship with Jane, highlighting the theme of mistaken identity.
Revenge and Justice
Tarzan sends Jad-bal-ja to capture Esteban, leading to the impostor's presumed death, serving as a form of jungle justice.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Flora Hawkes betrays Tarzan and Jane but later repents, while the Waziri remain loyal despite being deceived by Esteban.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Reunites with Jane, exposes Esteban's impersonation, sends Jad-bal-ja to capture Esteban, and learns of the stolen gold.
- Jane Clayton
Reunites with Tarzan, recounts her ordeal with Luvini, and forgives Flora Hawkes.
- Esteban Miranda
Impersonates Tarzan, attempts to deceive Jane, is pursued by Jad-bal-ja, and is presumed dead after being mauled and entering the river.
- Flora Hawkes
Confesses her role in the conspiracy, repents, and is allowed to stay with Tarzan and Jane.
- Jad-bal-ja
Sent by Tarzan to capture Esteban, mauls him, and retrieves the leopard skin map.
- Usula
Leads the Waziri, reveals the gold is missing, and recounts Esteban's cowardice.
Key passages
““I am Tarzan, Jane,” said the ape-man.”
Tarzan declares his true identity to Jane.
Key moment of revelation and reunion.
““It was Esteban who ran off into the jungle with me, Lady Greystoke,” said the girl. “It was Esteban who was about to deceive you again.””
Flora Hawkes explains that Esteban was the impostor who deceived Jane.
Clarifies the deception to Jane.
““That is the end of the man who would be Tarzan,” he said.”
Tarzan concludes that Esteban is dead.
Final judgment on the impostor.
““Avarice has been the cause of many crimes since the world began,” she said, “and when crime is invoked in its aid it assumes its most repulsive aspect and brings most often its own punishment, as you, Flora, may well testify.””
Jane reflects on how greed leads to crime and punishment.
Moral commentary on the consequences of avarice.