The Son of Tarzan · Chapter
XIX explained
Korak observes Meriem and Baynes from the jungle, feeling troubled by the girl's agility which reminds him of his lost Meriem.
What happens
Korak observes Meriem and Baynes from the jungle, feeling troubled by the girl's agility which reminds him of his lost Meriem. He follows Baynes and Hanson to their camp, then withdraws. Meanwhile, Meriem, feeling confined and unjustly treated by Bwana, receives a secret letter from Baynes asking her to meet him alone in the clearing.
Themes in this chapter
Freedom vs. Confinement
Meriem feels like a prisoner in the bungalow, contrasting her past jungle freedom with her current restricted life.
Identity and Belonging
Korak struggles with his lost Meriem and his desire for solitude, while Meriem grapples with her place between civilization and the wild.
Characters to notice
- Korak
Watches Meriem and Baynes from the jungle, recalls his lost Meriem, and follows Baynes to Hanson's camp.
- Meriem
Feels like a prisoner in the bungalow, wanders in the garden, and receives a secret letter from Baynes.
- Morison Baynes
Rides with Hanson to camp, writes a note to Meriem, and plans a secret meeting.
- Mr. Hanson
Accompanies Baynes to camp, sends a messenger with Baynes' note, and lies in his hammock.
- Bwana
Angry with Meriem and Baynes, sends Meriem to her room, and questions Hanson about the night's events.
Key passages
“The sight of the civilized girl and the dapper, khaki clad Englishman had aroused in Korak memories long dormant.”
Seeing the civilized girl and the well-dressed Englishman stirred old memories in Korak.
Korak's past aspirations are awakened by the appearance of the couple.
“Like a caged tigress the girl paced the length of the enclosure.”
Meriem paced the garden restlessly, feeling trapped like a wild animal in a cage.
Meriem's sense of confinement is emphasized through animal imagery.