Tarzan of the Apes · Chapter
Conclusion explained
In the final chapter, Tarzan rescues Jane and the party from the forest fire and brings them to a hotel.
What happens
In the final chapter, Tarzan rescues Jane and the party from the forest fire and brings them to a hotel. Robert Canler arrives with a preacher to force Jane into marriage, but Tarzan violently intervenes, forcing Canler to release her from her promise. Tarzan then reveals he has recovered Professor Porter's lost treasure, providing a letter of credit for $241,000. Clayton proposes to Jane, and she accepts. Later, Tarzan confesses his love to Jane, but she insists she must honor her promise to Clayton. A cablegram from D'Arnot arrives, revealing that Tarzan's fingerprints prove he is the true Lord Greystoke. Tarzan chooses not to reveal his identity, allowing Clayton to keep the title and Jane.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Belonging
Tarzan learns his true identity as Lord Greystoke through fingerprints, yet chooses not to claim his title, highlighting his struggle between his jungle upbringing and his aristocratic heritage.
Love and Instinct
Tarzan's primal love for Jane drives him to become civilized and cross continents, while Jane's sense of duty and honor conflicts with her true feelings.
Savagery and Brutality
Tarzan's violent reaction to Canler, shaking him like a cat, shows the savage instincts that still reside within him despite his efforts to become civilized.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Rescues the party, confronts Canler, reveals the recovered treasure, confesses his love to Jane, and learns his true identity as Lord Greystoke.
- Jane Porter
Reunited with her father, released from her promise to Canler, accepts Clayton's proposal, and confesses her love for Tarzan but feels bound to Clayton.
- John Clayton
Thanks Tarzan, proposes to Jane, and is accepted; later learns Tarzan is the true Lord Greystoke but Tarzan does not reveal it.
- Professor Porter
Reunited with Jane, receives the letter of credit from Tarzan for the recovered treasure, and is relieved of his debt to Canler.
- Robert Canler
Arrives with a preacher to force Jane into marriage, is physically overpowered by Tarzan, and forced to release Jane from her promise.
- Samuel T. Philander
Observes Canler's arrival with annoyance and comments on the situation.
Key passages
“At the sight of Jane, cries of relief and delight broke from every lip, and as Tarzan’s car stopped beside the other, Professor Porter caught his daughter in his arms.”
Everyone shouted with joy when they saw Jane, and Professor Porter hugged her as Tarzan pulled up alongside.
Reunion of Jane and her father after the forest fire.
“Tarzan of the Apes.”
I am Tarzan, the ape-man.
Tarzan identifies himself to Clayton.
“We have waited as long as I intend to wait. You have promised to marry me. I shall be played with no longer.”
I'm done waiting. You gave me your word, and I won't be toyed with any more.
Canler insists on immediate marriage.
“Do you release her from her promise? It is the price of your life.”
Will you let her go? That's what it costs to live.
Tarzan forces Canler to free Jane from her engagement.
“Fingerprints prove you Greystoke. Congratulations. D’Arnot.”
Your fingerprints confirm you are Lord Greystoke. Well done. D'Arnot.
Cablegram revealing Tarzan's true identity.
