The Return of Tarzan · Chapter
XXV: Through the Forest Primeval explained
Tarzan rescues Jane Porter from the sacrificial altar in Opar, carrying her unconscious through the forest.
What happens
Tarzan rescues Jane Porter from the sacrificial altar in Opar, carrying her unconscious through the forest. Meanwhile, they discover the dying William Cecil Clayton, who confesses his wrongdoing and reveals a note from D'Arnot proving Tarzan's identity as Lord Greystoke. Tarzan and Jane reunite, affirming their love.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Tarzan risks his life to save Jane from the altar, and Clayton sacrifices his secret to clear Tarzan's path.
Identity and Heritage
Clayton's revelation of D'Arnot's note confirms Tarzan's true identity as Lord Greystoke.
Survival and Physical Prowess
Tarzan's strength and agility enable him to escape Opar's pits and carry Jane through the forest.
Characters to notice
- Tarzan
Rescues Jane from Opar's altar, discovers Clayton dying, and reunites with Jane.
- Jane Porter
Rescued from sacrifice, regains consciousness in Tarzan's arms, and learns the truth about his identity.
- William Cecil Clayton
Found dying in the hut; confesses his betrayal and gives Jane the note proving Tarzan's heritage.
- Monsieur Thuran
Mentioned as having abandoned Clayton and attempted to kill Tarzan by pushing him overboard.
- Countess Olga de Coude
Not present in this chapter.
Key passages
“Finger prints prove you Greystoke. Congratulations. D’Arnot.”
The note confirms Tarzan's identity as Lord Greystoke based on fingerprint evidence.
Clayton reveals the note to Jane, proving Tarzan's noble heritage.
“If this be death, thank God that I am dead.”
Jane believes she has died and is being carried by Tarzan in the afterlife.
Jane's initial confusion upon regaining consciousness in Tarzan's arms.
“I will live long enough to find and kill that beast!”
Clayton vows to survive in order to take revenge on Thuran for his cruelty.
Clayton's brief surge of anger against Thuran before his death.