Tarzan: A Fictional Creation or Early Depiction of Early Man?

Introduction

A character that has captivated readers for over a century, Tarzan is a fictional creation brought to life by American author Edgar Rice Burroughs. His origin story, set in the African jungle, has become deeply ingrained in popular culture. Is Tarzan based on a real person, or is he merely a product of Burroughs' imagination? This article delves into the origins of Tarzan and explores whether he represents a true story or a reflection of early 20th-century cultural and philosophical attitudes.

Tarzan as a Fictional Figure

Tarzan is a quintessential fictional character. He is a product of Edgar Rice Burroughs' creative mind, with the character of Mowgli from Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book as one of his inspirations. Mowgli is a boy raised by beasts, capturing the public imagination in a similar manner. Tarzan's story, however, has enriched popular culture, leading to numerous adaptations in film, television, and literature. Despite his iconic status, Tarzan is not based on any real person, but rather a character born out of the fertile imagination of a writer.

Origins of the Inspiration

One of the sources of Burroughs' inspiration for Tarzan was the story of English Lord William Charles Midlin. Midlin was shipwrecked as a child and lived in the African jungle for fifteen years before being rescued by a colony of apes. Burroughs was captivated by this tale and used it as a starting point for his own creation. This connection between real-life experiences and fictional narrative is intriguing and highlights the ways in which real events can inspire fiction. However, it is important to note that while Midlin's story provided a basis for Burroughs' imagination, Tarzan as a character is not based on Midlin's experiences.

The Cultural Significance of Tarzan

Tarzan's character can be seen as a reflection of early 20th-century attitudes towards civilization and nature. Burroughs explores the concept of the "primitiveness" of man and the clash between civilized society and the wild. The character embodies a certain romanticism towards the untamed, wild nature, which was a prevalent theme in literature of that era. This is evident in his portrayal of Tarzan as a noble savage, a romantic ideal of a man living in harmony with nature.

Legends and Influences

The legend of Tarzan is also a product of various real-life stories and legends. For instance, the tale of Atalanta, a girl abandoned in the woods and raised by bears, shares some similarities with Tarzan's story. Such stories of infants being raised by animals have a long history in literature and folklore. The influence of these stories can be seen in how Tarzan, a boy raised by apes, embodies a liminal space between the wild and the civilized. These stories highlight the human desire to understand and explore different aspects of our existence, leading to the creation of characters like Tarzan.

Conclusion

While Tarzan is a purely fictional creation, inspired by real-life narratives and the cultural zeitgeist of early 20th-century America, there is much to be learned from his story. Whether we view Tarzan as a reflection of early 20th-century thinking or simply a well-told tale, his enduring presence in popular culture serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to inspire and resonate with audiences across generations.