# XII: Man's Reason explained — Tarzan of the Apes

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

## What happens

Tarzan struggles with the duties of kingship among the apes, finding that his intelligence and human reason set him apart from his tribe. He faces the growing hostility of Terkoz, who challenges his authority. After Terkoz brutally beats an old female, Tarzan attacks him in a fierce battle. Using his superior reason, Tarzan gains a decisive hold (the half nelson) but loses his knife, leaving the outcome uncertain.

## Themes in this chapter

### Savagery and Brutality

The chapter depicts the brutal fight between Tarzan and Terkoz, highlighting the raw violence of the jungle and the ape society.

### Civilization vs. Wilderness

Tarzan's longing for the cabin and books contrasts with his life among the apes, emphasizing the tension between human reason and animal instinct.

### Identity and Belonging

Tarzan feels alienated from the ape tribe due to his human intellect and dreams, questioning where he truly belongs.

## Character check-ins

### Tarzan

Struggles with kingship, longs for the cabin and books, and uses reason to gain an advantage in battle against Terkoz.

### Terkoz

Son of Tublat, challenges Tarzan's authority, beats an old female, and engages Tarzan in a deadly fight.

### Kala

Mentioned as Tarzan's deceased adoptive mother; her absence leaves Tarzan without a close companion.

### Mbonga

The black chief who considers abandoning the village due to Tarzan's raids.

### Tublat

Mentioned as the father of Terkoz.

## Key lines

> There was that which had raised him far above his fellows of the jungle—that little spark which spells the whole vast difference between man and brute—Reason.

Tarzan's human reason sets him apart from the animals, giving him a crucial advantage in the fight.

_Central theme of the chapter: reason as the defining trait of humanity._

> It was the half nelson of modern wrestling which the untaught ape-man had stumbled upon, but superior reason

Tarzan accidentally discovers a wrestling hold (half nelson) through his innate reasoning ability.

_Shows how Tarzan's intellect allows him to innovate in combat._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se/chapters/xii-man-s-reason
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se/chapters