# V explained — The Son of Tarzan

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

## What happens

The chapter introduces the Swedish ivory poachers Carl Jenssen and Sven Malbihn, who operate ruthlessly in the Sahara and beyond. It then shifts to a remote Arab village where a young girl named Meriem lives in fear of her father, Sheik Amor ben Khatour, and her cruel nurse Mabunu. Meriem finds solace only in her doll Geeka. When Jenssen and Malbihn arrive seeking ivory, they notice Meriem and recognize her as a valuable prize, but the Sheik refuses to trade and beats Meriem for being seen. The Swedes attempt to bribe a headman to kidnap her, but the headman delivers what appears to be a corpse instead of a living child.

## Themes in this chapter

### Freedom vs. Confinement

Meriem is physically and emotionally confined by her father's cruelty and the village, longing for escape even into the dangerous jungle.

### Love and Sacrifice

Meriem's desperate love for her doll Geeka represents her need for affection in a loveless environment.

### Colonialism and Racism

The Swedish poachers exploit African territories and people, viewing Meriem as a commodity to be bought and sold.

## Character check-ins

### Meriem

A ten-year-old girl living in an Arab village, subjected to abuse by her father and nurse, finding comfort only in her doll Geeka.

### Sheik Amor ben Khatour

Meriem's cruel father, who beats her and forbids her from being seen by strangers.

### Mabunu

The old black nurse who mistreats Meriem, laughing at her suffering.

### Carl Jenssen

One of the Swedish ivory poachers who recognizes Meriem's value and attempts to kidnap her.

### Malbihn

The other Swedish poacher, who advises caution and notes the Sheik's vengeful nature.

## Key lines

> With a brutal kick the man sent her sprawling upon her face, where she lay quite still, tearless but trembling.

The Sheik kicked Meriem to the ground, and she lay there silently shaking.

_Illustrates the physical abuse Meriem endures from her father._

> Little Meriem could scarce recall any other existence than that of the stern cruelty of The Sheik and Mabunu.

Meriem had known little else in her life besides the harsh treatment from her father and nurse.

_Highlights Meriem's tragic upbringing and lack of love._

> There is no doubt of it, Malbihn. Not the slightest; but why the old scoundrel hasn't claimed the reward long since is what puzzles me.

Jenssen is certain that Meriem is the child they are looking for and wonders why the Sheik has not collected the reward.

_Reveals the Swedes' recognition of Meriem's identity and their mercenary motives._

## Links

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