The Return of Tarzan
by Edgar Rice Burroughs
An Exciting Jungle Adventure of Revenge, Survival, and Rediscovered Identity
The Return of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs continues the thrilling adventures of one of adventure fiction’s most iconic heroes. Combining jungle action, espionage, romance, and dangerous encounters across multiple continents, the novel follows Tarzan as he struggles between civilized society and the untamed world where he truly belongs.
Filled with dramatic escapes, hidden enemies, and powerful emotional conflicts, the story expands Tarzan’s legend while deepening his internal struggle over identity and belonging.
Tarzan Leaves Civilization Behind
After the emotional events of the first novel, Tarzan abandons European society and begins traveling once again. Although he has learned the ways of civilization, he feels increasingly disconnected from modern social life and drawn back toward the freedom and honesty of the natural world.
During his travels, Tarzan becomes involved in dangerous conspiracies, criminal plots, and deadly rivalries while journeying through Europe, North Africa, and eventually the African jungle.
The novel combines sophisticated urban intrigue with wild adventure and survival.
A Hero Between Two Worlds
One of the novel’s central ideas is Tarzan’s divided identity. Educated and intelligent enough to live among aristocrats and city society, he still feels emotionally connected to the jungle where he was raised by apes.
Burroughs presents Tarzan as both noble gentleman and primal warrior, capable of moving between civilization and wilderness with unmatched strength and instinct.
Characters
- Tarzan – The jungle-raised hero struggling between civilization and his natural instincts
- Jane Porter – The woman Tarzan deeply loves despite emotional and social complications
- Countess Olga de Coude – A noblewoman drawn into dangerous events and attracted to Tarzan’s courage
- Nikolas Rokoff – A ruthless enemy pursuing revenge against Tarzan
- Adventurers, criminals, sailors, and jungle inhabitants shaping the story’s dangerous world
The conflicts among these characters create the novel’s emotional tension and adventurous excitement.
Themes
- The conflict between civilization and natural instinct
- Identity, belonging, and personal freedom
- Courage, survival, and physical endurance
- Love, loyalty, and emotional conflict
- The attraction and danger of the untamed wilderness
These themes give the adventure story emotional depth and lasting appeal.
Edgar Rice Burroughs’s Fast-Paced Adventure Style
Burroughs writes with energetic pacing, dramatic action, and vivid descriptions of both exotic landscapes and dangerous confrontations. The story moves quickly through kidnappings, jungle battles, escapes, and suspenseful encounters.
The constant movement and excitement help create the novel’s powerful sense of adventure.
The Jungle as Freedom and Power
For Tarzan, the jungle represents more than physical survival. It symbolizes authenticity, independence, and emotional truth compared with the artificial rules and restrictions of civilized society.
This contrast between wilderness and civilization remains one of the defining features of the Tarzan series.
Why The Return of Tarzan Continues to Entertain Readers
The Return of Tarzan remains popular because of its thrilling action, memorable hero, and imaginative blend of jungle adventure and international intrigue. Burroughs expands Tarzan’s world while preserving the excitement and emotional intensity that made the character famous.
For readers interested in classic adventure fiction, jungle exploration, and larger-than-life heroic storytelling, the novel offers an exciting and unforgettable journey filled with danger, romance, and survival.
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About the Author
Edgar Rice Burroughs transformed adventure fiction with his vivid imagination and unforgettable heroes, creating stories that have thrilled readers for more than a century. Born in Chicago in 1875, Burroughs found worldwide success by transporting audiences to exotic jungles, distant planets, and mysterious civilizations. Explore Edgar Rice Burroughs books to discover the author's life, literary career, and access notable works, including A Princess of Mars, Tarzan of the Apes, Warlord of Mars, The Gods of Mars , and more.
