The Son of Tarzan - Classic Text | Alexandria
The Son of Tarzan, penned by Edgar Rice Burroughs, is much more than a simple adventure novel; it’s a complex exploration of identity, inheritance, and the enduring lure of the wild. Published in 1917 as the fourth installment in the Tarzan series, the story follows Korak, the son of Tarzan and Jane, as he grapples with his dual heritage in the backdrop of pre-World War I British East Africa. Are the civilized graces of his parents enough to tame the savage instincts inherited from his ape upbringing?
Burroughs first introduces the concept of Tarzan's offspring in The Beasts of Tarzan (1914), teasing readers with the future potential of such a unique lineage. The full manifestation of this potential in The Son of Tarzan arrived during a period of rampant expansion of European empires which saw an uptick of public interest in unexplored lands and the mysteries and the "savage" characters that lived there, reflecting anxieties about colonialism and the unknown.
Over time, Korak’s character has been interpreted through lenses as varied as Freudian psychoanalysis, postcolonial theory, and environmental advocacy. While often overshadowed by his legendary father, Korak embodies a more conflicted, less romanticized view of the "noble savage." Lesser-known is the fact that Burroughs originally considered naming him "Tanak," a mirrored variation of "Kanat" (Tarzan), pointing to an intriguing sense of duality. The book also subtly critiques the British class system through Korak's interactions with European society, painting a complex picture of belonging and alienation.
Today, The Son of Tarzan continues to fascinate readers. The novel's examination of nature versus nurture resonates deeply with contemporary debates about identity and cultural assimilation. Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Korak's legacy is this paradox; is he a symbol of untamed freedom, or a cautionary tale about the impossibility of truly bridging the gap between civilization and the wild?