Tarzan of the Apes · Chapter
VII: The Light of Knowledge explained
Tarzan continues his self-education using bark and leaves as copybooks, while also honing his hunting skills.
What happens
Tarzan continues his self-education using bark and leaves as copybooks, while also honing his hunting skills. The ape tribe has grown under Kerchak's leadership, and Tarzan, now about thirteen, faces persistent persecution from Tublat. During a Dum-Dum ceremony celebrating the killing of a giant ape from another tribe, Tarzan kills Tublat after the bull attacks Kala, establishing his dominance and demanding respect from the tribe, including Kerchak.
Themes in this chapter
Savagery and Brutality
The Dum-Dum ritual and Tarzan's killing of Tublat highlight the raw violence and primal instincts of the ape tribe.
Survival and Strength
Tarzan's victory over Tublat demonstrates the necessity of physical prowess and dominance for survival in the jungle.
Identity and Belonging
Tarzan asserts his identity as 'Tarzan of the Apes' and demands respect, navigating his unique position between human and ape.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Continues self-education and practices hunting; kills Tublat during the Dum-Dum, asserting his dominance.
- Kala
Tarzan's foster mother; pursued by Tublat during the Dum-Dum, but saved by Tarzan.
- Tublat
Tarzan's lifelong enemy; attacks Kala and is killed by Tarzan during the Dum-Dum.
- Kerchak
Leader of the ape tribe; leads the Dum-Dum ceremony and witnesses Tarzan's victory.
Key passages
“There were many breaks in his education, caused by the migratory habits of his tribe, but even when removed from his books his active brain continued to search out the mysteries of his fascinating avocation.”
Tarzan's learning was often interrupted by his tribe's movements, but he kept exploring his interests even without his books.
Highlights Tarzan's persistent curiosity and self-directed learning.
“On the day that Tarzan established his right to respect, the tribe was gathered about a small natural amphitheater...”
The day Tarzan earned the tribe's respect, they were assembled in a natural clearing.
Sets the scene for the pivotal Dum-Dum ceremony.
“Like lightning the blows fell, and only ceased when Tarzan felt the limp form crumple beneath him.”
Tarzan struck Tublat rapidly and repeatedly until the ape went limp and fell.
Describes the swift and decisive killing of Tublat.