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

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

3. In Chapter 14, what do the sailors do when Clayton goes into the jungle to look for the Professor?

4. In Chapter 13, what does Tarzan do before he leaves the cabin?

5. In Chapter 11, what does Tarzan tell the ape tribe when he returns from the village?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Lord Greystoke get killed?

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

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

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

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

6. What does Tarzan do in Kulonga’s hut in the village and how do the villagers react?

7. How does Tarzan save Clayton’s life two times in Chapter 14?

8. What does Tarzan see in Chapter 13 when he returns to the cabin from getting clothing?

9. What does Tarzan do about clothing for himself?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss what you think are the characteristics of a successful novel and why Tarzan of the Apes is or is not a successful novel based on your criteria. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults?

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

At the end of Tarzan and the Apes, Tarzan returns to the jungle. Discuss Tarzan’s reasons for returning to the jungle. Do you think his decision was a reasonable one? Would you have made the same decision? Use examples from the book to support your response.

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