Tarzan of the Apes · Chapter
The Outpost of the World explained
D'Arnot reads John Clayton's diary to Tarzan, revealing the story of Lord and Lady Greystoke.
What happens
D'Arnot reads John Clayton's diary to Tarzan, revealing the story of Lord and Lady Greystoke. Tarzan doubts he is the child mentioned, believing the infant died. They encounter a French mission, where Tarzan learns civilized behavior. D'Arnot convinces Tarzan to postpone retrieving the treasure chest and continue toward civilization.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Belonging
Tarzan grapples with his true parentage after hearing the diary, questioning whether he is the lost heir or an orphan of the jungle.
Civilization vs. Wilderness
Tarzan's encounter with the mission and D'Arnot's lessons highlight the contrast between his wild instincts and the norms of civilized society.
Heredity and Aristocracy
The diary reveals Tarzan's potential noble lineage as Lord Greystoke, raising questions about inherited traits versus upbringing.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Discovers his possible heritage through the diary; learns civilized ways at the mission; insists on retrieving the treasure chest.
- Lieutenant D'Arnot
Reads the diary aloud, theorizes Tarzan is Lord Greystoke; teaches Tarzan about civilized behavior; proposes a plan to retrieve the treasure by boat.
- John Clayton
His diary is read, detailing his and Alice's hardships and the birth of their son.
- Lady Alice
Mentioned in the diary as the mother of the infant; her story of sorrow is recounted.
- Kala
Tarzan recalls her as his ape mother; her inability to plan ahead is contrasted with human reasoning.
- Kerchak
Mentioned as the ape who killed John Clayton and as an example of inability to plan.
Key passages
“It is the diary of John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, an English nobleman, and it is written in French.”
D'Arnot identifies the diary as belonging to John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, written in French.
Key moment where Tarzan's heritage is first revealed through the diary.
“Why, man, you are Lord Greystoke.”
D'Arnot declares that Tarzan is the rightful Lord Greystoke.
D'Arnot's assertion of Tarzan's noble identity.
“You must not eat like a brute, Tarzan, while I am trying to make a gentleman of you.”
D'Arnot scolds Tarzan for eating with his hands, urging him to use utensils.
Illustrates the civilizing process Tarzan undergoes.
“It is mind, and not muscle, that makes the human animal greater than the mighty beasts of your jungle.”
D'Arnot explains that human intelligence, not physical strength, gives humans superiority over animals.
Contrasts human reason with animal instinct.