“Jungle Tales of Tarzan”

is a collection of twelve short stories written by Edgar Rice Burroughs and first published in 1919. This book is the sixth installment in the Tarzan series, which is set in the African jungle and features the adventures of the iconic character Tarzan.The stories in “Jungle Tales of Tarzan” are loosely connected and tell the tales of Tarzan’s early years in the jungle, before he meets other humans and learns to speak their language. In these stories, Tarzan is depicted as a wild and savage creature, who is feared and respected by the other animals of the jungle. Despite his feral nature, Tarzan shows a surprising level of intelligence and resourcefulness, and is often called upon to save his animal friends from danger.The first story in the collection, “Tarzan’s First Love,” recounts the tale of Tarzan’s encounter with a female ape named Teeka. Tarzan becomes infatuated with Teeka and goes to great lengths to impress her, including participating in a wrestling match with a rival male ape. In “The Capture of Tarzan,” the second story in the collection, Tarzan is captured by a group of cannibals and must use his wits and strength to escape.In “The Fight for the Balu,” Tarzan comes to the rescue of a young ape who has been abducted by a band of baboons. In “The God of Tarzan,” Tarzan confronts a false god who has been terrorizing a group of native tribespeople. In “Tarzan and the Black Boy,” Tarzan saves a young boy from a pack of hyenas, and the two become fast friends.Other stories in the collection include “The Witch-Doctor Seeks Vengeance,” in which Tarzan is targeted by a vengeful witch-doctor, and “The End of Bukawai,” in which Tarzan avenges the death of one of his animal friends.One of the most notable things about “Jungle Tales of Tarzan” is the way that it portrays Tarzan’s relationship with the other animals of the jungle. Tarzan is shown to have a deep understanding and appreciation for the creatures he shares the jungle with, and often goes out of his way to help them. This compassionate side of Tarzan’s character is in stark contrast to his reputation as a fierce and dangerous predator.Another notable aspect of “Jungle Tales of Tarzan” is the way that it delves into Tarzan’s origins and early years. In this book, readers get a glimpse of Tarzan as a young, inexperienced creature, learning the ways of the jungle and struggling to survive. This provides an interesting and engaging backstory for one of the most iconic characters in literature.Overall, “Jungle Tales of Tarzan” is a thrilling and engaging collection of stories that will appeal to fans of adventure, fantasy, and classic literature. With its vivid depictions of the African jungle and its cast of memorable characters, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story.

One of the most interesting things about “Jungle Tales of Tarzan” is the way that it subverts many of the common tropes of colonial literature. Instead of portraying the native tribespeople of the African jungle as savage and uncivilized, Burroughs depicts them as complex and diverse groups with their own cultures and traditions. Additionally, instead of presenting Tarzan as a typical colonial hero who seeks to impose his values and beliefs on others, Burroughs shows Tarzan as a compassionate and respectful character who learns from and works alongside the other inhabitants of the jungle.

The stories in “Jungle Tales of Tarzan” are filled with action and excitement, as Tarzan battles dangerous animals, rescues his friends, and confronts powerful foes. However, they also contain moments of introspection and reflection, as Tarzan contemplates his place in the jungle and his relationship with the other creatures who inhabit it. This makes for a well-rounded and complex portrayal of a character who has become a cultural icon.

The themes of identity and belonging are also explored in “Jungle Tales of Tarzan.” As Tarzan navigates the complex social hierarchy of the jungle, he must come to terms with his own identity as a human who has been raised by animals. He also grapples with the question of where he belongs – in the jungle or in the world of humans. This provides a thought-provoking commentary on the nature of identity and the ways in which it is shaped by our environment and experiences.

In terms of style, “Jungle Tales of Tarzan” is written in Burroughs’ signature fast-paced and action-packed style. The stories are filled with vivid descriptions of the African jungle and its inhabitants, and the dialogue is snappy and engaging. This makes for a highly readable and enjoyable book that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Overall, “Jungle Tales of Tarzan” is a classic work of adventure literature that has stood the test of time. With its engaging characters, thrilling action sequences, and thoughtful exploration of identity and belonging, it remains a beloved and influential book nearly a century after its initial publication.