The Return of Tarzan · Chapter
II: Forging Bonds of Hate and ⸻? explained
Tarzan intervenes to protect a young woman from Rokoff and Paulvitch, first on deck and later in her cabin, where Paulvitch attempts to strangle her.
What happens
Tarzan intervenes to protect a young woman from Rokoff and Paulvitch, first on deck and later in her cabin, where Paulvitch attempts to strangle her. Tarzan threatens the two men and warns them against further harassment, but the woman refuses to involve the ship's officers. Tarzan reflects on the cruelty and selfishness of civilized society compared to the jungle.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Chivalry
Tarzan repeatedly intervenes to protect a woman from Rokoff and Paulvitch, acting on a personal code of honor despite being in a civilized setting.
Deception and Betrayal
Rokoff and Paulvitch conspire to harass and harm the young woman, and the woman herself conceals the full nature of the threat from the authorities.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Intervenes to protect a young woman from Rokoff and Paulvitch, reflecting on the flaws of civilization.
- Nikolas Rokoff
Threatens and physically assaults a young woman; is confronted and humiliated by Tarzan.
- Alexis Paulvitch
Accompanies Rokoff and attempts to strangle the young woman in her cabin.
- Countess Olga de Coude
The veiled young woman whom Tarzan rescues; she wears a distinctive ring and pleads for no official action.
Key passages
“In the jungle one would scarcely stand supinely aside while another took his mate. It is a silly world, an idiotic world, and Tarzan of the Apes was a fool to renounce the freedom and the happiness of his jungle to come into it.”
Tarzan reflects that in the wild, no creature would passively allow another to steal its partner, and he considers civilized society foolish and himself a fool for leaving the jungle.
Tarzan's internal critique of civilization versus the natural order.
“You have made a very wicked and resourceful enemy, who will stop at nothing to satisfy his hatred. You must be very careful indeed, Monsieur Tarzan.”
The young woman warns Tarzan that Rokoff is a dangerous and relentless foe who will seek revenge.
Foreshadowing of future conflict between Tarzan and Rokoff.