# Chapter XX explained — The Son of Tarzan

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

## What happens

Korak observes Meriem's transformation into a civilized woman and grapples with his love for her, realizing he cannot offer her a life in the jungle. He decides to watch over the young Englishman for Meriem's sake, while Meriem is deceived by Hanson into riding away from camp under false pretenses, leading her into danger.

## Themes in this chapter

### Civilization vs. Savagery

Korak contrasts Meriem's civilized refinement with his own savage existence, feeling shame and recognizing the impossibility of their union.

### Love and Sacrifice

Korak decides to protect the man Meriem loves, sacrificing his own desires for her happiness.

### Identity and Belonging

Korak struggles with his identity as an ape-man, feeling alienated from both human society and his former self.

## Character check-ins

### Korak

Reflects on Meriem's change and his own savage state, resolves to protect the man she loves despite his jealousy.

### Meriem

Rides to meet Baynes but is tricked by Hanson into following him into the jungle, growing suspicious of his intentions.

### Morison Baynes

Nervous and afraid in camp, unaware of Korak's surveillance or Hanson's deception.

### Mr. Hanson

Deceives Meriem by claiming Baynes sent him, leading her away from camp with ulterior motives.

## Key lines

> In her had taken place the change. In her he had just seen a sweet and lovely flower of refinement and civilization, and he shuddered as he recalled the fate that he himself had planned for her—to be the mate of an ape-man, his mate, in the savage jungle.

Korak realizes Meriem has become civilized and is horrified that he once wanted her to live as his savage jungle mate.

_Highlights Korak's recognition of the divide between their worlds._

> If he could not have her and happiness, he would at least do all that lay in his power to assure happiness to her.

Korak decides to ensure Meriem's happiness even if he cannot be with her.

_Demonstrates his selfless love and sacrifice._

> We had better hurry, continued Hanson, for we'll have to move along pretty fast if we don't want to be overtaken.

Hanson urges Meriem to ride quickly, claiming they need to avoid being caught.

_Shows Hanson's deceitful manipulation to lead Meriem away._

## Links

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