Is Tarzan of the Apes Significant for an Atheist?
The question of whether a fictional character like Tarzan of the Apes represents significance to an atheist is often distorted by oversimplification and misunderstanding. Atheism, by its nature, is a non-belief in gods, not a stance that necessarily requires reacting to every fictional creation with a specific interpretation. This article aims to elucidate the role of Tarzan in the broader context of literary fiction and atheism.
Fiction and Non-Belief: An Overview
One must first acknowledge that Tarzan of the Apes is a character within the vast landscape of literary fiction, created by the prolific author Edgar Rice Burroughs. In the realm of fiction, characters often serve as narrative tools to explore various themes, including evolution, nature versus nurture, and the human condition. These themes are separate from religious beliefs, including atheism.
The Literary Character Tarzan
As a literary character, Tarzan is much like any other character in a novel. He is a child of British nobles who is stranded in a jungle and raised by a female gorilla. Over time, he develops into a skilled leader and fighter, exploring and surviving in an untamed environment. The Tarzan novels focus on his adventures, but these adventures are part of a larger narrative that separates them from direct interpretations of religious texts or philosophical stances.
Enlarging the Cultural Perspective
It's important to recognize that fictional characters like Tarzan can hold significance for personal reasons, such as cultural influence, entertainment, and even as a form of escapism. For individuals who are fans of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Tarzan might be significant simply because of the adventure books and the stories they evoke. Whether an individual is a theist, an atheist, or someone with neutral beliefs, the value of such characters is often subjective and varied.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Some might argue that a character like Tarzan, despite being fictional, can speak to broader issues such as evolution. The theory of evolution, however, is a scientific concept that has been studied and documented through observed phenomena and empirical evidence. While Burroughs’ stories may touch on themes that are sometimes associated with evolution, such themes are not intrinsically linked to the character of Tarzan or to atheism.
Conclusion
Tarzan of the Apes is a significant figure in the literary canon, known for his adventures and the broader themes he embodies. However, his significance is limited to the scope of fiction and storytelling. For an atheist, the importance of Tarzan may lie in his portrayal as a fictional character rather than in any symbolic or philosophical representation.