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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Chapter 4, why are the smaller apes running from Kerchak?

2. How does Tarzan continue his lessons when his tribe is far from the cabin?

3. In Chapter 5, what does Tarzan do when a lion kills his friend?

4. Why does Kala not know of the situation with Kerchak?

5. What does the small man who is arguing with a larger man do in Chapter 13?

Short Essay Questions

1. At the beginning of Chapter 7, why does Tarzan return to the cabin and what does he do there?

2. Why is Lord Greystoke in Africa and what kind of man does the narrator say he is?

3. What does Tarzan do about clothing for himself?

4. How does Tarzan become King of the Apes?

5. How does Kala’s baby ape die?

6. How does Tarzan get arrows from the village in Chapter 10?

7. How does Kerchak get his hands on a rifle and what does he do with it?

8. How and why does Tarzan kill Tublet?

9. How does Kala die and what does Tarzan do about her death?

10. How is Jane saved from the lioness trying to get into the cabin?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Burroughs creates improbable stories and makes them seem real. One of his great techniques for doing this is the detail of language, social behavior and traditions in an imaginary society. Discuss how each of these techniques makes the ape tribe where Tarzan is raised seem real. Use examples from the book to support your response.

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels.

Compare/contrast the characters of Jane and Kala. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples. Compare/contrast the characters of Clayton and Tarzan. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

Essay Topic 3

Burroughs reiterates the ideas of the "noble savage" -- the possibility of natural goodness, strength, and superiority inherent in mankind even though brought up in violent Nature. Noble savage first appeared in English in the 1600’s in a John Dryden’s play. Why might Tarzan be considered a “noble savage?” Does Burroughs portray him as one? Discuss at least three incidences in Tarzan of the Apes in which Tarzan could be said to be a noble savage. Use examples from the book to support your response.

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