The heir of Greystoke and his pregnant wife are marooned in an African jungle, where she gives birth to a son. Their treehouse is invaded by chimps, and they are killed, except for the boy which is adopted by the chimp mother. The boy grows wild, and soon turns into a savage man. One day, a French explorer Philippe is attacked by natives, and injured, he hides in a tree. Tarzan, the savage ape-man, cares for him, and soon the two are friends. Philippe takes him back to England, to the Greystoke manor, where his grandpa lives. Tarzan is taught civilized manners by Jane, an employee of the grandfather. She and Tarzan become romantically involved. When his grandfather dies in an accident, he becomes the Earl of Greystoke. Despite Tarzan's quick study of human ways and now a noble man, he reverts to his ape-like behavior from time to time. On a trip to a museum, he finds his adoptive ape-father Kerchak, caged in the back. He releases him, and soon the two run wild into a park. They are pursued, and Kerchak is shot dead. Traumatized, Tarzan grapples with his identity, refusing to live in this savage society. He goes back to Africa, to the jungles he calls home.
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Best part of story, including ending:
It's a tragic tale of finding out that where you're supposed to belong turns out to be a nightmare.
Best scene in story:
When Tarzan visits the museum, and sees the stuffed chimps and animals, and is horrified.
Opinion about the main character:
He is tragically confused, given the terrible childhood he suffered, he is a victim of bad circumstance.