← All chapters

Tarzan of the Apes · Chapter

X: The Fear-Phantom explained

Tarzan observes the village of Mbonga from the trees, learning about the poisoned arrows used by the natives.

What happens

Tarzan observes the village of Mbonga from the trees, learning about the poisoned arrows used by the natives. He steals a supply of arrows and explores a hut, leaving a mocking display. The discovery of Kulonga's body and the theft terrifies the villagers, who attribute it to supernatural forces. Tarzan returns to the jungle.

Themes in this chapter

  • Savagery and Brutality

    Tarzan's killing for pleasure and the use of poisoned arrows highlight the brutal aspects of both human and ape societies.

  • Civilization vs. Wilderness

    Tarzan's observation of the village contrasts his jungle life with the structured but superstitious human society.

Characters to notice

  • Tarzan

    Observes the village, steals poisoned arrows, and explores a hut, leaving a mocking display.

  • Kulonga

    His body is discovered by the villagers, having been killed by Tarzan earlier.

  • Mbonga

    The king and father of Kulonga, who examines the hut and is filled with wrath and superstitious fear.

Key passages

  • “His savage life among the fierce wild brutes of the jungle left no opening for any thought that these could be aught else than enemies.”

    Tarzan's upbringing in the jungle made him see all unfamiliar beings as potential threats.

    Highlights Tarzan's lack of understanding of human kinship.

  • “Tarzan knew nothing of poison, but his shrewd reasoning told him that it was this deadly stuff that killed, and not the little arrow, which was merely the messenger that carried it into the body of its victim.”

    Though unfamiliar with poison, Tarzan deduced that the arrows were deadly because of the substance they carried.

    Demonstrates Tarzan's intelligence and observational skills.

Read this chapter freeBook page