Tarzan's First Love

Name: Tarzan's First Love
Author: Edgar Rice Burroughs

In a lush tropical forest, a young ape-man observes Teeka, a beautiful she-ape, and begins to experience feelings of love and jealousy. Tarzan, raised by apes, is unaware of his noble human heritage. His affection for Teeka grows as he notices her beauty, contrasting it with his own smooth skin and human features. When Taug, a rival bull ape, approaches Teeka, Tarzan's protective instincts awaken, leading to a confrontation between the two. As they fight, Teeka encourages the duel, reveling in the attention. However, their battle is interrupted by the appearance of Sheeta, a panther, who chases Teeka. Tarzan bravely intervenes, using his rope to save her, but the encounter leaves him feeling conflicted about his feelings for Teeka and his identity. After the panther flees, Tarzan's bond with Teeka seems solidified, but he soon discovers her affection for Taug, leading to feelings of heartbreak and rejection. Determined to distance himself from the pain, Tarzan isolates himself, observing the jungle and its creatures, including the interactions between male and female animals. Meanwhile, Taug becomes trapped in a cage set by local black warriors, which Tarzan finds amusing, as it presents an opportunity for him to claim Teeka without competition. As Tarzan watches the warriors, he devises a plan to free Taug, but also to ensure that he remains the sole contender for Teeka's affection. After successfully freeing Taug, he urges the bull ape to return to Teeka, asserting that he does not want her anymore. Tarzan grapples with his identity as a man among apes, realizing that he is fundamentally different and feels a profound loneliness. Ultimately, Tarzan acknowledges that while other creatures have mates, he remains alone, caught between two worlds. His journey reflects themes of love, identity, and the struggle for belonging, as he navigates the complexities of his feelings for Teeka and his place in the jungle.

By Edgar Rice Burroughs · First published 1916 · Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance · 7,346 words

First lines

Teeka, stretched at luxurious ease in the shade of the tropical forest, presented, unquestionably, a most alluring picture of young, feminine loveliness. Or at least so thought Tarzan of the Apes, who squatted upon a low-swinging branch in a nearby tree and looked down upon her.

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Tarzan's First Love is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, dated 1916 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Edgar Rice Burroughs
Date: 1916 CE
Language: English
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Coming-of-Age, Action
Length: 7,346 words
Structure: 1 section, 112 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Adventure — The plot centers around Tarzan's experiences in the jungle, including his interactions with other apes and the challenges he faces.
Fantasy — The story features anthropomorphic characters and a fantastical setting that diverges from reality.
Romance — The narrative explores Tarzan's feelings of love and jealousy towards Teeka, highlighting emotional relationships.
Coming-of-Age — The story depicts Tarzan's growth and self-discovery as he navigates his feelings and identity.