The Beasts of Tarzan · Chapter
The Swede explained
Tarzan confronts the wounded Swede, Anderssen, who reveals that Rokoff has taken Jane and the child.
What happens
Tarzan confronts the wounded Swede, Anderssen, who reveals that Rokoff has taken Jane and the child. Despite his initial fury, Tarzan realizes Anderssen tried to protect them and shows him mercy before he dies. Meanwhile, Tarzan's pack of apes and Sheeta defend a village against attacking natives, and Mugambi arrives to free Tarzan from his bonds. After routing the savages, Tarzan learns from a prisoner that Rokoff's party has fled upstream by canoe, leading him to resume the search on a false trail.
Themes in this chapter
Revenge and Retribution
Tarzan's initial intent to kill Anderssen shifts to mercy, while his pursuit of Rokoff is driven by vengeance for the abduction of his family.
Savagery and Civilization
Tarzan's struggle to command his savage pack contrasts with his civilized compassion for Anderssen, highlighting the duality of his nature.
Survival and Resilience
Tarzan and his pack endure attacks from natives and continue the arduous search despite setbacks and losses.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Interrogates Anderssen, shows mercy, leads the pack in battle, and resumes the search for his son.
- Sven Anderssen
Wounded Swede who reveals Rokoff's abduction of Jane and the child; dies after explaining he tried to protect them.
- Nikolas Rokoff
Antagonist who abducted Jane and the child, fled upstream, and is pursued by Tarzan.
- Mugambi
Arrives to free Tarzan from the stake and fights alongside him against the natives.
- Sheeta
The panther that aids Tarzan, bringing the apes to his rescue and fighting in the village defense.
- Akut
Leads the apes in the battle against the natives, though communication with Tarzan is limited.
Key passages
“Where is my wife? Where is the child?”
Tarzan demands to know the location of Jane and his son.
Tarzan's immediate concern upon finding Anderssen.
“Ay did not hurt them. Ay tried to save them from that Russian.”
Anderssen claims he attempted to protect Jane and the child from Rokoff.
Anderssen's defense, which convinces Tarzan of his innocence.
“You go on an' look for the vife an' kid. Ay ban as gude as dead already; but—Ay hate to think of the hyenas. Von't you finish up this job?”
Anderssen urges Tarzan to continue the search and asks for a merciful death to avoid being eaten by hyenas.
Anderssen's final request, showing his acceptance of death.
“Ay tank it blow purty soon purty hard!”
Anderssen predicts a storm before dying.
Anderssen's last words, a metaphor for the coming turmoil.