# XIV explained — The Son of Tarzan

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

## What happens

Meriem is attacked by Malbihn in a tent while Jenssen is away hunting. Jenssen returns and a gunfight ensues, resulting in Jenssen's death. Malbihn is interrupted by a stranger who rescues Meriem. The stranger, Bwana, takes Meriem to his farm where his wife welcomes her. Meriem agrees to stay temporarily while waiting for Korak, though she is reluctant to leave the jungle.

## Themes in this chapter

### Freedom vs. Confinement

Meriem is physically chained and attacked by Malbihn, then rescued and brought to a farm, where she must choose between the safety of civilization and the freedom of the jungle.

### Love and Sacrifice

Meriem's loyalty to Korak drives her to agree to stay at the farm, sacrificing her immediate freedom for the chance to be reunited with him.

## Character check-ins

### Meriem

Attacked by Malbihn, rescued by Bwana, and brought to his farm where she agrees to stay while waiting for Korak.

### Malbihn

Attempts to assault Meriem, kills Jenssen in a gunfight, and is interrupted by Bwana.

### Carl Jenssen

Returns from hunting to find Malbihn attacking Meriem, is shot and killed by Malbihn.

### Bwana

Rescues Meriem from Malbihn, brings her to his farm, and offers her shelter while searching for Korak.

### Korak

Meriem's beloved ape-man, whom she hopes to find; Bwana sends men to search for him.

## Key lines

> With wide eyes fixed upon him, like a trapped creature horrified beneath the mesmeric gaze of a great serpent, the girl watched the approach of the man.

Meriem stared in terror as Malbihn advanced toward her, feeling as helpless as a small animal hypnotized by a snake.

_Describes Meriem's fear during Malbihn's attack._

> Meriem laughed. 'The jungle,' she said, 'is my father and my mother. It has been kinder to me than have men.'

Meriem declared that the jungle has been more nurturing and protective to her than any human being.

_Meriem expresses her deep bond with the jungle._

## Links

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