"The Witch-Doctor Seeks Vengeance"

and

"The End of Bukawai"

Text of "The Witch-Doctor Seeks Vengeance" (chapter 6 of Jungle Tales of Tarzan)

Text of "The End of Bukawai" (chapter 7 of Jungle Tales of Tarzan)

 

Bob Abbott's cover for Ballantine's 1969 Jungle Tales of Tarzan

Bob Abbott cover to the Ballantine edition, circa 1969.

 

Discussion starters

Questions:

Is Bukawai a "grotesque" in the Andersonian sense?

In what ways does this story comment on Tarzan's understanding of religion, as opposed to theology?

I have suggested (23) that Bukawai is unconcerned with anyone other than himself and that his situational ethics might be widespread. In what ways do we see other characters who practice such an ethic?

Holtsmark says that the hyenas of Bukawai are symbolic. In what ways do you see this? Consider comparing it to the poem by Rudyard Kipling, entitled "The Hyenas."

Critical Sources:

  • Galloway, Stan. "Mike Resnick: From Fan to Frontrunner." Burroughs Bulletin NS 30 (Spring 1997): 19-24. 
  • Holtsmark, Erling B. Tarzan and Tradition: Classic Myth in Popular Literature. Contributions to the Study of Popular Culture Series. Westport, CN: Greenwood, 1981. 

 

Created by Stanley A. Galloway, November 1997. Last updated 9 February 2004. Contact me at sgallowa@bridgwater.edu. 

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