# XXII: The Search Party explained — Tarzan of the Apes

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

## What happens

The search party returns to the beach camp, reuniting Jane with her father and Clayton. Jane anxiously inquires about the forest man who rescued her, leading to a tense exchange with Clayton, who dismisses the man as a savage. Later, Jane grapples with her feelings for the ape-man and Clayton, finding a love note from Tarzan. Clayton apologizes for his insinuations, but Jane's emotions remain conflicted.

## Themes in this chapter

### Civilization vs. Wilderness

Clayton contrasts the 'civilized' world with the 'savage' jungle, while Jane defends the forest man, blurring the line between beast and gentleman.

### Love and Instinct

Jane's internal conflict between her love for the ape-man and societal expectations, as well as Clayton's jealousy, highlight the tension between instinctual attraction and civilized norms.

### Identity and Belonging

Jane questions the forest man's identity and her own feelings, while Clayton's remarks challenge the man's humanity and place in society.

## Character check-ins

### Jane Porter

Reunited with her father and Clayton; defends the forest man and struggles with her feelings for him and Clayton.

### John Clayton

Returns from the search expedition; expresses jealousy and suspicion toward the forest man, and later apologizes to Jane.

### Professor Porter

Reunites with Jane, overcome with emotion; his grief and love for his daughter are highlighted.

### Esmeralda

Comforts Jane in the cabin, though Jane is irritable and conflicted.

### Lieutenant Charpentier

Leads the French expedition back to the beach after the skirmish; reports to the cruiser.

## Key lines

> “He is a strange, half-savage creature of the jungle, Miss Porter. We know nothing of him. He neither speaks nor understands any European tongue⁠—and his ornaments and weapons are those of the West Coast savages.”

Clayton describes the forest man as a mysterious, uncivilized being, unfamiliar with European languages and using savage tools.

_Clayton's attempt to undermine the forest man's character, revealing his jealousy._

> “Beast?” she murmured. “Then God make me a beast; for, man or beast, I am yours.”

Jane declares her devotion to the forest man, willing to become a beast herself if it means being with him.

_Jane's emotional turning point, embracing her love for the ape-man despite societal norms._

> “I would not have hurt you , above all others in the world. Say that you forgive me.”

Clayton apologizes to Jane for his hurtful insinuations, expressing regret and a desire for her forgiveness.

_Clayton's apology reveals his deepening feelings for Jane, though it now frightens her._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se/chapters/xxii-the-search-party
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se/chapters