The Son of Tarzan · Chapter
XXIV explained
Korak, grieving over Meriem, travels slowly through the jungle and encounters Morison Baynes, who reveals that Meriem was stolen by the Swede Hanson.
What happens
Korak, grieving over Meriem, travels slowly through the jungle and encounters Morison Baynes, who reveals that Meriem was stolen by the Swede Hanson. Korak resolves to rescue her, while Baynes insists on following despite his wounds. Korak crosses the river on Tantor and confronts Malbihn, who reveals Meriem is not the Sheik's daughter and that a reward exists for her return. Before Korak can learn more, Tantor, recognizing Malbihn as the killer of his mate, attacks and kills him. Korak then departs on Tantor toward the Sheik's village.
Themes in this chapter
Revenge and Redemption
Tantor's vengeful killing of Malbihn for the murder of his mate illustrates the theme of revenge, while Korak's sorrow at the loss of the secret shows a desire for redemption through knowledge.
Identity and Belonging
Meriem's unknown origin and her status as the Sheik's 'daughter' highlight themes of identity and belonging, as Korak seeks to uncover her true past.
Characters to notice
- Korak
Travels slowly through the jungle, haunted by thoughts of Meriem; rescues Baynes; confronts Malbihn and learns Meriem is not the Sheik's daughter; witnesses Tantor's killing of Malbihn.
- Morison Baynes
Rescued by Korak from a tree; reveals Meriem was stolen by Hanson; insists on following Korak despite being wounded; captured by Arab horsemen.
- Malbihn
Confronted by Korak; reveals Meriem is not the Sheik's daughter and that a reward exists; killed by Tantor in revenge for the elephant's mate.
- Tantor
Carries Korak across the river; recognizes Malbihn as the killer of his mate and kills him.
- Abdul Kamak
Rides past Baynes toward the North; pursued by a band of Arabs.
Key passages
“Sometimes lolling upon Tantor’s back, sometimes roaming the jungle in solitude, Korak made his way slowly toward the West and South.”
Korak traveled slowly westward and southward, alternating between riding Tantor and walking alone.
Describes Korak's aimless journey after losing Meriem.
“I am going to the Swede’s camp. I will bring the girl back to you here.”
Korak tells Baynes he will go to Hanson's camp and return Meriem.
Korak's promise to rescue Meriem.
“If you want her, go to The Sheik and ask him for her—she has passed as his daughter since childhood.”
Malbihn tells Korak that Meriem has lived as the Sheik's daughter since childhood.
Malbihn reveals Meriem's upbringing.
“Tantor wheeled around like a cat, hurled Malbihn to the earth and kneeled upon him with the quickness of a cat.”
Tantor turned swiftly, threw Malbihn down, and knelt on him.
Describes Tantor's attack on Malbihn.