"The Nightmare"

Text of "The Nightmare" (chapter 9 of Jungle Tales of Tarzan)

Discussion starters

Critical Source:

Holtsmark, Erling B. Edgar Rice Burroughs. Twayne United States Authors Series. Boston: Twayne, 1986. In campus library.

Questions:

  • Holtsmark says the difference between appearance and reality is "most vividly addressed . . . where it manifests itself in Tarzan's problematical grappling with the effort to define for himself the distinction between the states of wakefulness and dreaming" (39). In what ways does Burroughs combine comic and serious exploration of the theme?

 

  • What is the significance of the lion and the eagle as the assailants that Tarzan faces in his dream?

 

  • Does Tarzan learn more in this story than to not eat elephant meat?

 

 

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Created by Stan Galloway circa 1996.  Last updated 9 February 2004.  Contact me at sgallowa@bridgewater.edu.