Sample Answer to Exercise 2

In this inquiry into Tarzan’s themes and appeal, the author provides Burroughs’ opinions about what the Tarzan character, a human among animals, symbolized or represented. Burroughs admitted to addressing the theme of “heredity vs. environment” through the Tarzan character.  Burroughs let “heredity” have the victory, because Tarzan’s innate intelligence and curiosity led him to reject ape life and return to civilization. The author sees Tarzan’s situation as so abnormal that nature’s “irresistible pressure” forced him to respond to his human heredity.   (81 words)

---