# II explained — The Son of Tarzan

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

## What happens

Jack Clayton, the son of Tarzan, defies his parents and tutor to visit the music hall where the trained ape Ajax is being exhibited. After being forbidden, he overpowers his tutor Mr. Moore, ties him up, and escapes through the window. The chapter highlights Jack's physical prowess and his fascination with wild animals, as well as his parents' concern over his rebellious behavior.

## Themes in this chapter

### Freedom vs. Confinement

Jack's rebellion against parental restrictions and his escape from the house symbolize his desire for freedom.

### Nature vs. Nurture

Jack's innate physical prowess and wild instincts, inherited from Tarzan, clash with the civilized upbringing his parents try to impose.

## Character check-ins

### Jack Clayton

Defies his parents to see the ape Ajax, overpowers his tutor Mr. Moore, and escapes through the window.

### Tarzan

Bursts into Jack's room after the tutor is found tied up, then departs to the music hall.

### Lady Greystoke

Discusses Jack's behavior with the tutor and expresses concern about his interests.

### Mr. Harold Moore

Jack's tutor, who is overpowered and tied up by Jack, then later discovered by Tarzan.

### Ajax

The trained ape that Jack is determined to see at the music hall.

## Key lines

> I am not different from Willie Grimsby, or any other of the fellows who have been to see him. It did not harm them and it will not harm me.

Jack argues that seeing the ape Ajax is harmless, as other boys have done so without issue.

_Jack uses peer precedent to justify his desire to attend the exhibition._

> I am Waja, chief of the Waji, and you are Mohammed Dubn, the Arab sheik, who would murder my people and steal my ivory.

Jack pretends to be a tribal chief while tying up his tutor, framing the act as a dramatic adventure.

_Jack's imaginative play reflects his fascination with savage tales and his desire to emulate heroic figures._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_son_of_tarzan_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_son_of_tarzan_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_son_of_tarzan_se/chapters