The God of Tarzan
The narrative follows the journey of a young ape-man, raised in the jungle, as he seeks to understand the concept of God. His curiosity is sparked by the word "God" found in the books of his deceased father, leading him to question the nature of divinity. He initially perceives God as a powerful figure, perhaps a king among the apes, but struggles to grasp the true meaning of the term. Tarzan's quest for knowledge leads him to consult various characters in the jungle, including his fellow apes, but their responses only deepen his confusion. He decides to investigate the nearby village of the Gomangani, hoping to find answers among the humans. Upon arriving, he witnesses a witch-doctor performing rituals that instill fear in the villagers, mistakenly believing this figure to be God. As he observes the witch-doctor's antics, Tarzan's desire to confront this supposed deity grows. When he finally approaches the witch-doctor, the latter, terrified, flees, revealing his true nature as a mere man rather than a god. This encounter leads Tarzan to reflect on his own strength and superiority, concluding that he is greater than this so-called God. Later, Tarzan saves a baby ape from a snake, Histah, demonstrating his bravery and loyalty. This act of heroism prompts him to ponder the nature of good and evil, attributing his actions to a higher power. He begins to associate all that is good in the world with God, while grappling with the existence of malevolent creatures like Histah. Ultimately, Tarzan's journey is one of self-discovery and philosophical inquiry. He recognizes that God embodies the beauty and goodness in nature, yet he remains troubled by the existence of evil. The story concludes with Tarzan's realization that while he has found a sense of divinity in the good around him, he is still left questioning the presence of malevolence in the world.
By Edgar Rice Burroughs · First published 1912 · Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction · 7,520 words
First lines
Among the books of his dead father in the little cabin by the landlocked harbor, Tarzan of the Apes found many things to puzzle his young head. By much labor and through the medium of infinite patience as well, he had, without assistance, discovered the purpose of the little bugs which ran riot upon the printed pages. He had learned that in the many combinations in which he found them they spoke in a silent language, spoke in a strange tongue, spoke of wonderful things which a little ape-boy could not by any chance fully understand, arousing his curiosity, stimulating his imagination and filling his soul with a mighty longing for further knowledge.
What this Textopian page supports
The God of Tarzan is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edgar Rice Burroughs, dated 1912 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edgar Rice Burroughs
- Date: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Science Fiction
- Length: 7,520 words
- Structure: 1 section, 95 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The God of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The God of Tarzan?
- How does this short story by Edgar Rice Burroughs fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Tarzan Rescues The Moon by Edgar Rice Burroughs
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- Tarzan And The Golden Lion by Edgar Rice Burroughs
- The Chapter Ends by Poul Anderson
Genres
- Adventure — The plot revolves around Tarzan's exploration and encounters in the jungle, showcasing his physical prowess and survival skills.
- Fantasy — The narrative includes elements of the supernatural, such as Tarzan's quest for understanding God and the mystical aspects of the jungle.
- Philosophical Fiction — The themes explore existential questions about the nature of God, creation, and morality, reflecting Tarzan's internal struggles.
- Coming-of-Age — The story depicts Tarzan's growth in knowledge and understanding of the world, transitioning from a naive ape-boy to a more self-aware individual.
Tags
Adventure · Fantasy · Romance · Action · Mystery · Science Fiction · Historical Fiction · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Survival · Exploration · Colonialism