

The remarkable journey of a boy raised by apes, who discovers his true identity and grapples with the nature of civilization and savagery
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In 'Tarzan of the Apes,' Edgar Rice Burroughs presents a captivating tale of survival, identity, and the clash between the wild and civilized worlds. The story follows John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, who, after being marooned in Africa, has his infant son, Tarzan, raised by a tribe of apes. As Tarzan grows up amidst the jungle's dangers and wonders, he learns to navigate both the primal instincts of the animal kingdom and the complexities of human civilization. This book delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the struggle between nature and nurture, offering a rich exploration of what it means to be human. Readers will be drawn into Tarzan's odyssey as he encounters both the beauty and brutality of life in the jungle, while also discovering the echoes of his noble heritage.
Edgar Rice Burroughs' 'Tarzan of the Apes' is a profound exploration of identity, civilization, and the primal instincts that define humanity. Through Tarzan's journey, readers are invited to reflect on the complexities of belonging and the struggle between nature and nurture. The narrative challenges societal norms and encourages a deeper understanding of what it means to be civilized. As Tarzan navigates the wild and human worlds, he embodies the duality of existence, ultimately embracing both his heritage and primal instincts. This timeless tale continues to resonate, reminding us of the importance of self-discovery and the enduring connection between humanity and the natural world.
Ratings at a glance
- 1The Origins of Tarzan
- 2Life in the Jungle
- 3The Discovery of the Cabin
- 4The Influence of Knowledge
- 5The Encounter with Humans
A glimpse inside

The story begins with John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, who is sent to Africa for a delicate investigation into colonial exploitation. Read moreThe story begins with John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, who is sent to Africa for a delicate investigation into colonial exploitation. After a mutiny aboard the ship, he and his wife are stranded in the jungle, where they tragically die, leaving their infant son, Tarzan, alone. The child is discovered and adopted by Kala, a female ape who has lost her own baby. This pivotal moment sets the stage for Tarzan's unique upbringing, blending human heritage with the instincts and behaviors of the jungle. The narrative emphasizes the randomness of fate and how environments shape identities, suggesting that Tarzan's development will contrast sharply with both his noble lineage and the animalistic life he leads. Show less
Raised by a tribe of apes, Tarzan learns to survive in the wild, developing extraordinary physical abilities and instincts. Read moreRaised by a tribe of apes, Tarzan learns to survive in the wild, developing extraordinary physical abilities and instincts. He becomes adept at climbing, hunting, and navigating the complexities of jungle life. His experiences are marked by both wonder and danger, as he faces predators like Sabor, the lioness, and learns to assert himself within the ape tribe. Burroughs vividly describes Tarzan's adventures, illustrating his dual existence as both an animal and a human. This juxtaposition highlights the tension between his upbringing and his innate curiosity about the human world, showcasing the instinctual versus the learned behaviors that define his character. Show less
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About the author
Edgar Rice Burroughs has 9 works free to read on Lumina, including A Princess of Mars, Out of Time's Abyss, The Chessmen of Mars
All 9 books by Edgar Rice Burroughs →



