Tarzan the Terrible · Chapter
Jungle Craft explained
Tarzan devises a plan to lure the gryfs away from Pan-at-lee so she can escape, but finds himself trapped in Kor-ul-gryf as the beasts relentlessly pursue him.
What happens
Tarzan devises a plan to lure the gryfs away from Pan-at-lee so she can escape, but finds himself trapped in Kor-ul-gryf as the beasts relentlessly pursue him. Using his jungle instincts and a gamble based on the Tor-o-don's command over the gryfs, he attempts to escape by imitating their call. Pan-at-lee waits for him in a cave, then sets out alone for Kor-ul-ja when he does not return.
Themes in this chapter
Survival and Adaptation
Tarzan uses jungle craft, cunning, and a risky gamble to survive the gryfs' relentless pursuit.
Civilization vs. Primitivism
Tarzan is portrayed as unspoiled by civilization, contrasting with the 'weaklings' of modern society; Pan-at-lee's loyalty is described as 'primitive' and spontaneous.
Love and Loyalty
Pan-at-lee's unwavering loyalty to Tarzan and Om-at drives her to wait and then risk the journey alone.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Uses a ruse to lead gryfs away from Pan-at-lee, then gambles on imitating the Tor-o-don's call to escape.
- Pan-at-lee
Obeys Tarzan's command to hide and escape; waits for him in a cave, then returns alone to Kor-ul-ja.
- Om-at
Referenced as Pan-at-lee's mate and chief of Kor-ul-ja; she hopes to return to him.
- Tor-o-don
Killed by Tarzan earlier; Pan-at-lee steps over his body while escaping.
- Gryf
The triceratops-like beasts that trap Tarzan in Kor-ul-gryf; he attempts to command them like a Tor-o-don.
Key passages
“Tarzan rose to his full height upon a swaying branch—straight and beautiful as a demigod—unspoiled by the taint of civilization—a perfect specimen of what the human race might have been had the laws of man not interfered with the laws of nature.”
Tarzan stands tall and untainted by society, embodying humanity's ideal form if nature had been left undisturbed.
Highlights the theme of civilization vs. primitivism.
“The loyalty of the primitive is spontaneous, unreasoning, unselfish and such was the loyalty of Pan-at-lee for the Tarmangani.”
Pan-at-lee's devotion is instinctive and selfless, typical of 'primitive' peoples.
Contrasts primitive loyalty with civilized calculation.
“She moved therefore through her savage land with no greater show of concern than might mark your sauntering to a corner drugstore for a sundae.”
Pan-at-lee travels through danger as casually as a modern person walks to a store.
Emphasizes the difference between primitive and civilized perceptions of risk.