Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle · Chapter
Comrades of the Wild explained
Tarzan remains captive in the Arab camp, but his jungle instincts and bond with Tantor the elephant lead to a dramatic rescue.
What happens
Tarzan remains captive in the Arab camp, but his jungle instincts and bond with Tantor the elephant lead to a dramatic rescue. As Ibn Jad plots to have him killed secretly, Tollog attempts murder but is thwarted when Tantor storms the camp, flings Tollog aside, and carries Tarzan to freedom.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Betrayal
Tollog and Fahd plot against Ibn Jad, while Zeyd and Ateja discuss their mistrust of the conspirators.
Survival and Resilience
Tarzan remains calm and resourceful despite being bound and threatened with death.
Civilization vs. Wilderness
The Arab camp's fear of the jungle contrasts with Tarzan's mastery and alliance with Tantor.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Captive in the Arab menzil, he communicates with Tantor and is rescued by the elephant.
- Tollog
Ibn Jad's brother, tasked with secretly killing Tarzan; he is thrown aside by Tantor.
- Fahd Ibn Jad
Discussed as a potential traitor and suitor for Ateja; present in the camp.
- Zeyd Ibn Jad
Romantically involved with Ateja; expresses mistrust of Fahd and Tollog.
- Ateja Ibn Jad
Daughter of Ibn Jad; she loves Zeyd and distrusts Fahd and her uncle Tollog.
- Tantor
The elephant who responds to Tarzan's call, storms the camp, and rescues him.
Key passages
“Tarzan of the Apes smiled again, one of his rare smiles. "Tarzan is more secure in his teeming jungle than are the Beduwy in their desert," he replied. "The jungle night has no terrors for Tarzan."”
Tarzan confidently asserts that he is safer in the wild jungle than the Bedouins are in their desert, and that the night holds no fear for him.
Highlights Tarzan's unique connection to and confidence in the jungle.
“For an instant Tantor stood looking about, angrily, defiantly, then he reached down and lifted Tarzan from the ground, raised him high above his head, wheeled about and trotted rapidly across the menzil toward the jungle.”
Tantor paused briefly, then scooped up Tarzan, lifted him overhead, and quickly carried him out of the camp into the jungle.
Climactic rescue scene showing the bond between Tarzan and Tantor.