Tarzan of the Apes · Chapter
Burials explained
Tarzan observes the mutineers burying a treasure chest and killing Snipes.
What happens
Tarzan observes the mutineers burying a treasure chest and killing Snipes. Later, he watches the cabin's inhabitants bury the remains of his parents. He steals Jane's manuscript and witnesses the Arrow's departure, followed by its return upon sighting smoke on the horizon.
Themes in this chapter
Survival and Strength
Tarzan's physical prowess and cunning are highlighted as he navigates the jungle and observes human activities.
Savagery and Brutality
The mutineers' violent infighting, including Snipes' murder, reflects the brutality inherent in human nature.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Observes the mutineers bury treasure, steals Jane's manuscript, and watches the Arrow's departure and return.
- Jane Porter
Writes at the table, later expresses concern about the Arrow's departure and her father's wandering.
- John Clayton
Discusses the mutineers' betrayal and the lack of promised supplies.
- Professor Porter
Worries about the lost treasure and wanders off into the jungle.
- Samuel T. Philander
Tasked with watching Professor Porter, expresses difficulty in managing him.
- Esmeralda
Weeps during the burial and points out the Arrow's departure.
Key passages
““Here is a good place,” said the rat-faced sailor, indicating a spot beneath Tarzan’s tree. “It is as good as any,” replied one of his companions. “If they catch us with the treasure aboard it will all be confiscated anyway. We might as well bury it here on the chance that some of us will escape the gallows to come back and enjoy it later.””
The mutineers decide to bury the treasure on the island to avoid confiscation, hoping to retrieve it later if they avoid execution.
The mutineers' plan to hide the treasure reflects their greed and fear of punishment.
““Then, by God,” replied Tarrant, “if you won’t take a shovel you’ll take a pickax.” With the words he raised his pick above his head, and, with a mighty blow, he buried the point in Snipes’ brain.”
Tarrant kills Snipes with a pickax after Snipes refuses to help dig, ending the mutineer leader's tyranny.
The violent resolution of the mutineers' internal conflict underscores the theme of savagery.
“Tarzan folded the sheets into a small parcel which he tucked into the quiver with his arrows. Then he melted away into the jungle as softly and as noiselessly as a shadow.”
Tarzan steals Jane's manuscript and disappears silently into the jungle, driven by curiosity and fascination.
Tarzan's theft of the manuscript shows his growing interest in the humans and their world.