V: The Tarmangani explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Civilization vs. Wilderness

  Tarzan, as a lord of the jungle, imposes his will on the civilized intruders Stimbol and Blake, highlighting the clash between the natural order and colonial exploitation.

• Racial and Cultural Conflict

  Stimbol's racist attitudes toward the native porters and his disdain for Tarzan's authority underscore the racial tensions inherent in the colonial setting.

Characters to notice

• Tarzan

  Tarzan enters the camp, confronts Stimbol and Blake, and asserts his authority over the safari division.

• James Hunter Blake

  Blake prepares to separate from Stimbol, discusses Tarzan with Stimbol, and meets Tarzan for the first time.

• Nasrany Stimbol

  Stimbol recounts his encounter with Tarzan, attempts to divide the safari, and shows contempt for the native porters.

Key passages

• ““So you are Tarzan of the Apes!” he said. Tarzan inclined his head. “And you?” he asked. “I am Jim Blake of New York,” replied the American.”

  Blake identifies Tarzan and introduces himself as Jim Blake from New York.

  First meeting between Blake and Tarzan.

• ““I overheard the conversation between you and the head men,” he said, addressing Blake. “Some of your blacks had already told me something about your companion, and twice today I have had an opportunity to form an estimate of my own from personal observation, so I assume that you are separating because you cannot agree. Am I right?””

  Tarzan tells Blake he overheard the conversation with the head men and correctly assumes they are separating due to disagreement.

  Tarzan demonstrates his awareness and deductive reasoning.

• ““Get ready to move out about an hour after sunrise,” he said to Blake. “There will be no trouble about dividing the safari. I shall be here to attend to that and give you your final instructions,””

  Tarzan instructs Blake to prepare to leave at sunrise and promises to oversee the safari division.

  Tarzan takes command of the situation.