# Chivalry or Villainy explained — The Beasts of Tarzan

> Chapter companion for The Beasts of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

## What happens

Rokoff attempts to coerce Jane Clayton into becoming his mistress, threatening her baby's life. Sven Anderssen, the cook, secretly reveals he understands French and helps Jane escape the Kincaid with her child, rowing them up a tributary of the Ugambi River to a native village.

## Themes in this chapter

### Good vs. Evil

Rokoff's villainy is contrasted with Anderssen's protective actions, highlighting the moral struggle.

### Survival and Resilience

Jane's determination to protect her child and escape despite overwhelming odds.

### Family and Paternal Love

Jane's maternal love drives her actions, and Anderssen's aid reflects a protective, fatherly role.

## Character check-ins

### Jane Clayton

Resists Rokoff's advances and threats, escapes with her baby aided by Sven Anderssen.

### Nikolas Rokoff

Attempts to force Jane to submit, threatens to kill her baby, is interrupted by Anderssen.

### Sven Anderssen

The cook who secretly understands French, protects Jane, and orchestrates her escape with her child.

### Jack Clayton

Jane's baby, rescued from the Kincaid and brought to safety by Anderssen.

## Key lines

> I have come to offer you safety, liberty, and ease. My heart has been softened toward you in your suffering, and I would make amends as best I may.

Rokoff pretends to offer Jane a better life, but his true intentions are manipulative and predatory.

_Rokoff's false chivalry masks his villainous plan._

> I would not have been surprised, M. Rokoff, had you attempted to force me to submit to your evil desires, but that you should be so fatuous as to believe that I, wife of John Clayton, would come to you willingly, even to save my life, I should never have imagined.

Jane rejects Rokoff's offer with contempt, asserting her loyalty to Tarzan.

_Jane's defiance underscores her strength and integrity._

> Ay tank it blow purty soon purty hard.

Anderssen uses this phrase as a coded signal to Jane that he will help her escape.

_The cook's seemingly foolish words carry hidden meaning._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beasts_of_tarzan_se/chapters/ix-chivalry-or-villainy
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beasts_of_tarzan_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beasts_of_tarzan_se/chapters