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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 13, what does Tarzan see when he returns to the cabin?

2. What does the small man do when Clayton walks away after arguing with him in Chapter 13?

3. How does Clayton and Tarzan save Jane and Esmeralda from a lioness?

4. What does Tarzan do when Kala is alone when Tublat is raging?

5. What does Tarzan throw at one of the warriors in Chapter 11?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Tarzan decide to kill a lioness and what happens in his first attempt in Chapter 8?

2. What does the Greystoke couple do in Freetown and how does Lord Greystoke run afoul of a ship captain?

3. In Chapter 3, what happens when the ship reaches land and what do the Greystokes do immediately?

4. How does Tarzan kill a gorilla, how does the gorilla injure Tarzan and how does Tarzan recover?

5. What does Lord Greystoke witness on the ship and what does Black Michael say is to be his fate?

6. How does Tarzan become King of the Apes?

7. How does Lord Greystoke get killed?

8. How does Tarzan learn to read and write and at what age does he read the child’s primer?

9. How do Tarzan and Clayton get back to the cabin fast when they hear a gunshot?

10. What breaks the peace around the area of Tarzan’s ape tribe in Chapter 9?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the Tarzan series, and probably one of the bases of its appeal, runs the constant contrast between the "civilized" world of men and the "uncivilized" world of the jungle. Discuss three ways that Burroughs shows are different between the civilized world and the uncivilized world and give your opinion of which world you think is best. For example, family, education, politics, war, etc.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Burroughs’ books reflect the era in which he lived. He is conservative and his portrayal of women, blacks, and lower class people startle the modern reader. Discuss what appears to be Burroughs opinion of women, blacks and lower class people and compare these opinions to modern thinking. Use examples from the book to support your response.

(see the answer keys)

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