"The Battle for Teeka"

Discussion starters

1. "The Battle for Teeka" was reprinted as "Tarzan, Jungle Detective" in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, May 1964. What are the typical expectations of a "detective story"? In what ways does this story satisfy those expectations? In what way does it frustrate those expectations? (Of interest is Sampson's comment.)

2. In what ways does Burroughs use "Utopia" and "martyrdom" in this story as social or historical commentary?  See Orth's comments for additional input.

3. What significance do you place on the coins and cartridges that Tarzan plays with at the cabin?

4. How does this story compare with "Tarzan's First Love," the first short story of the collection?

 Critical Sources:

• Holtsmark, Erling B. Tarzan and Tradition: Classical Myth in Popular Literature. Contributions to the Study of Popular Culture Series. Westport, CN: Greenwood, 1986. 
• Orth, Michael. "Utopia in the Pulps: The Apocalyptic Pastorialism of Edgar Rice Burroughs." Extrapolation 27.3 (1986): 221-33. 
• Sampson, Robert. "Bumudemutomuro." Yesterday’s Faces, Vol. 2: Strange Days. Bowling Green, Ohio: Bowling Green U Popular P, 1984. 132-68.