# Tarzan of the Apes explained — Tarzan of the Apes

> Chapter companion for Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## What happens

The chapter introduces the infant Tarzan, born to Lord and Lady Greystoke on a remote African coast after a mutiny. Following the death of his parents, the infant is adopted by the ape Kala, who raises him among the mangani apes. Tarzan grows up in the jungle, learning the ways of the wild and discovering his human heritage through his parents' cabin and books.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nature vs. Nurture

Tarzan's development as a human raised by apes explores the tension between innate human traits and environmental influences.

### Identity and Belonging

Tarzan's dual heritage as both human and ape-raised creates a central conflict of identity and belonging.

## Character check-ins

### Tarzan

The infant son of Lord and Lady Greystoke, adopted by Kala and raised among the apes.

### Kala

The ape who adopts the infant Tarzan after his parents die.

### John Clayton

Lord Greystoke, Tarzan's father, who dies shortly after the infant's birth.

### Lady Alice

Tarzan's mother, who dies soon after giving birth.

### Kerchak

The leader of the ape tribe that adopts Tarzan.

## Key lines

> Tarzan of the Apes

The story of the ape-man Tarzan begins.

_Opening of the novel establishing the protagonist._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se/chapters/tarzan-of-the-apes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se/chapters