# VI: A Duel explained — The Return of Tarzan

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

## What happens

Tarzan confesses to D'Arnot his regret over the incident with the Countess de Coude, feeling his 'civilization' is only skin deep and considering a return to the jungle. Count de Coude challenges Tarzan to a duel; Tarzan insists on pistols despite D'Arnot's warnings. At dawn, the duel proceeds, but Tarzan fires into the air, revealing Rokoff's written confession that exonerates the countess. De Coude embraces Tarzan, and they become friends. Tarzan is wounded twice but recovers, and De Coude later secures him a position as a special agent in the Ministry of War.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Chivalry

Tarzan's decision to fire into the air and reveal Rokoff's confession demonstrates a chivalric concern for the countess's honor and a rejection of unnecessary violence.

### Civilization vs. Wilderness

Tarzan reflects that his civilization is only skin deep and considers returning to the jungle, contrasting the artificial constraints of Parisian society with his natural instincts.

### Deception and Betrayal

Rokoff's plot and written confession are central to the chapter, revealing the deception that led to the duel and Tarzan's use of it to restore truth.

## Character check-ins

### Tarzan

Feels guilt over his actions with the Countess de Coude, considers returning to the jungle, participates in the duel, fires into the air, and later accepts a government position.

### Lieutenant D'Arnot

Acts as Tarzan's second in the duel, is anxious about Tarzan's safety, and supports him throughout.

### Count Raoul de Coude

Challenges Tarzan to a duel, is a master marksman, but after Tarzan's revelation, embraces him and later helps him find employment.

### Nikolas Rokoff

Mentioned as the author of the written confession that Tarzan uses to exonerate the countess.

### Countess Olga de Coude

Referenced in Tarzan's confession and the duel's resolution; her honor is defended by Tarzan.

### Monsieur Flaubert

Acts as Count de Coude's second, delivers the challenge, and helps arrange the duel.

## Key lines

> My civilization is not even skin deep—it does not go deeper than my clothes.

Tarzan admits that his civilized behavior is only superficial, not a true part of his nature.

_Highlights the theme of civilization vs. wilderness._

> I am going out to expiate a great wrong, Paul. A very necessary feature of the expiation is the marksmanship of my opponent.

Tarzan suggests that being killed by de Coude would atone for his mistake, showing his acceptance of death.

_Reflects Tarzan's sense of honor and guilt._

> You are a very brave and chivalrous gentleman. I thank God that I did not kill you.

De Coude acknowledges Tarzan's honorable actions and expresses relief that the duel ended without tragedy.

_Demonstrates the resolution of the conflict and mutual respect._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters/vi-a-duel
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_of_tarzan_se/chapters