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TL;DR: The infant son of a British lord and lady is orphaned in the African jungle and raised by a tribe of apes. He grows up as Tarzan, learning to survive, until he meets humans, including Jane Porter, for the first time.
Table of Contents
Tarzan of the Apes at a Glance
| Author | Edgar Rice Burroughs |
| First published | 1912 |
| Type | Adventure classic |
| Best for | readers who like classic pulp adventure |
Tarzan of the Apes is a novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, first published in 1912. The novel spawned many sequels and adaptations. It contains racist and colonial attitudes of its time. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, a few ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it most. The part-by-part section gives away the plot, including the ending, so skip it if you have not read the book yet.
Content note: Contains racist depictions and violence.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
Marooned
Lord and Lady Greystoke are stranded.
The ape Kala
She raises the baby.
Growing up
Tarzan becomes strong.
The cabin
He finds his father's books.
Jane
He meets Jane Porter.
Return
He chooses.
The Summary at a Glance
| Part | In one line |
|---|---|
| Marooned | Lord and Lady Greystoke are stranded. |
| The ape Kala | She raises the baby. |
| Growing up | Tarzan becomes strong. |
| The cabin | He finds his father's books. |
| Jane | He meets Jane Porter. |
| Return | He chooses. |
5 Key Takeaways
- Nurture shapes identity.
- Strength and wits help.
- Civilization and wildness differ.
- Love crosses worlds.
- Classic adventure has dated views.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- The racism is present.
- Disney's version is different.
- The series is long.
Who Should Read Tarzan of the Apes?
Read it with context. It is dated.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Tarzan of the Apes:
- Which character did you understand best, and what did the author do to make you feel that way?
- Which scene would you change, and what would that do to the ending?
- What does the book say about its main theme that you agree or disagree with?
Quick Facts to Remember
- Book: Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs (1912)
- Type: Adventure classic
- Best for: readers who like classic pulp adventure
- Main idea in one line: Nurture shapes identity.
Reading Time and Format
Novels differ a lot in length and pace, so check the page count of your edition before you start. If you prefer to listen, many public libraries lend audiobooks through free apps, and a narrated edition can suit a long novel well. Whichever format you choose, a library copy is a low-cost way to try the book before you buy, and used or digital editions are often cheaper than new print copies.
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Tarzan of the Apes is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full argument, examples and style, which no short summary can carry.
A simple way to get the most from it: first read the TL;DR and the takeaways to decide if the book fits your interests, then read the part-by-part section for the structure, and finally write down one idea you want to remember or one question you want answered by the full text.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Tarzan of the Apes, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary from your copy.
Should You Read the Book?
If you plan to read it, set aside a few evenings and read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a novel work or not. If you are still unsure, read a free sample or the first chapter, because the opening pages usually show whether the voice and subject suit you. Reviews from readers with tastes like yours can help too, but your own reaction to a few pages is the best test.
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What to Read Next
- The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling: a boy raised by wolves
- King Solomon's Mines by H. Rider Haggard: an adventure
- A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs: a science fantasy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tarzan of the Apes problematic?
Yes, in its racial portrayals.
Who wrote it?
Edgar Rice Burroughs.
What age is it for?
Roughly 12 and up.
Is Tarzan of the Apes worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who like classic pulp adventure. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading Tarzan of the Apes?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.
What are the main themes of Tarzan of the Apes?
Tarzan of the Apes returns again and again to a few big ideas. Nurture shapes identity. Strength and wits help. Civilization and wildness differ. Love crosses worlds. Classic adventure has dated views. The part-by-part summary above shows where each of these ideas appears in the story.