The Son of Tarzan · Chapter
XVII explained
Meriem encounters a troop of baboons who have taken her clothing, but she communicates with them in their own language and retrieves her belongings.
What happens
Meriem encounters a troop of baboons who have taken her clothing, but she communicates with them in their own language and retrieves her belongings. The Hon. Morison Baynes witnesses this and is both amazed and disturbed. Later, he questions Meriem about her past, particularly about Korak and A'ht, and begins to contemplate a relationship with her, though his intentions are complicated by his own class prejudices and assumptions about her virtue.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Belonging
Meriem's ability to communicate with baboons and her comfort in the jungle contrast with Morison's view of her as an outsider to civilized society, highlighting her dual identity.
Civilization vs. Savagery
Morison's internal conflict between his attraction to Meriem and his belief in social hierarchy exemplifies the tension between civilized norms and the 'savage' freedom of the jungle.
Characters to notice
- Meriem
Meriem demonstrates her ability to communicate with baboons, retrieves her clothing, and later reveals parts of her past to Morison Baynes, including her life with Korak and Akut.
- Morison Baynes
Morison Baynes witnesses Meriem's interaction with the baboons, questions her about her past, and begins to develop romantic feelings while grappling with his own social biases.
- Korak
Korak is mentioned by Meriem as a Tarmangani (white man) with whom she lived in the jungle, though she does not define their relationship as brother or husband.
- Akut
Akut is referred to as A'ht by Meriem, described as a Mangani (ape) who was part of her jungle life with Korak.
Key passages
“She was singing blithely; but her song came to a sudden stop when she came within sight of the tree, for there, disporting themselves with glee and pulling and hauling upon her belongings, were a number of baboons.”
Meriem was happily singing until she saw baboons playing with her clothes near the tree.
This moment sets up the central encounter of the chapter.
“The Hon. Morison Baynes sat down at the foot of a tree and mopped his perspiring brow.”
Morison Baynes was so astonished by Meriem's interaction with the baboons that he had to sit down and wipe his forehead.
This highlights Morison's shock and the cultural gap between him and Meriem.
“A girl who had consorted with apes, who, according to her own admission, had lived almost naked among them, could have no considerable sense of the finer qualities of virtue.”
Morison believed that a girl who had lived with apes could not have a strong sense of virtue.
This reveals Morison's prejudiced reasoning as he contemplates a relationship with Meriem.