About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle or high schooler is exploring themes of environmental ethics, the instinctual pull of nature, or the moral complexities of how humans treat the animal world. This classic adventure follows Tarzan, a man raised by apes, as he protects his jungle home from outside forces. It offers a unique vantage point on the 'civilized' world, often critiquing human greed and violence from the perspective of an outsider who views the forest and its creatures as his true kin. While the story is an iconic action adventure, it serves as a platform to discuss the responsibility humans have toward wildlife and the ethics of hunting. Parents should be aware that because this was originally written in the early 20th century, it contains the era's attitudes regarding colonialism and survival of the fittest. It is best suited for mature readers who can appreciate the vocabulary-rich prose and engage in critical thinking about the historical context and the protagonist's dual identity as both man and wild animal.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
DISTRESS: The book contains scenes of animal hunting and violence that may be distressing. Specifically, the descriptions of hunters using powerful rifles to kill elephants for ivory or sport are depicted with a focus on human ruthlessness. There are also moments of physical combat between Tarzan and his enemies, involving spears, knives, and hand-to-hand fighting that result in injury or death. CONVERSATION: This book is a product of its time (originally 1927). Parents should be prepared to discuss the racist caricatures and dehumanizing language used to describe indigenous African people, which reflect the prejudices of the 1920s. It is also an opportunity to discuss the history of wildlife conservation and how views on hunting have evolved.
Ideal Reader
A 12 to 15-year-old reader who loves wilderness survival stories, classic adventure, and complex, larger-than-life heroes who operate outside of modern society's rules.
Parent Prep
It is recommended to read the first few chapters together to tackle the dense, descriptive vocabulary and set the stage for discussing the book’s colonialist themes and its depiction of indigenous people. Seeing depictions of trophy hunting or hearing the protagonist describe 'man' as the most pitiless of all living organisms.
Age Experience
Younger teens will focus on the thrill of the jungle battles and Tarzan's cool factor. Older teens may find the philosophical distinctions between human 'emotions' and animal 'caution' more fascinating.
What Makes It Special
Unlike modern animal fantasies, this book treats the jungle with a gritty, naturalistic lens where the 'law of the jungle' is a harsh but respected reality, not a fairy tale.
Read plot summary
In this installment of the Tarzan series, the protagonist continues his role as the protector of the African jungle. He encounters various groups of 'civilized' men, including hunters and explorers, who threaten the delicate balance of the wild. The narrative focuses heavily on Tarzan's relationship with Tantor the elephant and other animals, contrasting their natural codes of conduct with the often-avaricious motives of human invaders. The plot involves daring rescues, survivalist feats, and a philosophical exploration of man's place in nature.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The author claims that emotions like 'envy, avarice, and lust' are reserved only for humans. Do you agree that animals don't feel these things? Why or why not?
2
Tarzan lives between two worlds: the jungle and civilization. In this book, which side do you think he feels most loyal to, and what moments prove it?
3
The text describes man as 'the most hated living organism that Nature has evolved.' How do the actions of the hunters in the story support or challenge this statement?
4
Compare the 'law of the jungle' to the laws of human society. Which one does Tarzan find more just or fair?
5
How does Tarzan's relationship with Tantor the elephant differ from the way the white hunters view the elephants?
