CHAPTER 16 -The beasts of Tarzan

Chapter 16 of “The Beasts of Tarzan” plunges into a thrilling encounter where Tarzan battles for survival against a formidable crocodile. Trapped in the creature’s jaws, he does not surrender but fights with all his might, demonstrating his indomitable spirit and strength. Despite his dire situation beneath the water, Tarzan’s persistence pays off when his knife finds a weak spot in the crocodile’s armor, killing the beast. Freed, but trapped in the dark confines of the crocodile’s den beneath the riverbank, Tarzan’s thoughts quickly turn to escape.

He ingeniously navigates a submerged tunnel, despite being wounded, driven by the hope of rejoining the search for his family. The narrative shifts, detailing Tarzan’s arduous journey towards the coast, hindered by his injury and the dense jungle. His thoughts are consumed by vengeance against Rokoff for the abduction and presumed harm to his family. Tarzan’s resilience is highlighted as he navigates both physical and emotional turmoil, spurred by misinformation about his family’s fate.

The chapter also sheds light on the parallel plight of Jane Clayton, Tarzan’s wife, and her cunning efforts to evade Rokoff’s clutches aboard the Kincaid. Jane’s bravery and quick thinking are showcased as she manages to set the ship adrift, aiming to escape her pursuer by merging with the sea’s expanse. However, the Kincaid runs aground, temporarily halting her plans for freedom.

As both Tarzan and Jane battle their respective adversaries, the narrative crescendos with the convergence of their struggles. Tarzan, drawn by a scream and the sound of gunfire, leaps into action despite his injuries, embodying the primal and protective aspects of his character. Jane, on her end, faces betrayal from the sailors she had coerced into obedience, underscoring the theme of treachery that runs through their ordeals.

This chapter masterfully intertwines the fierce will to survive and protect loved ones with the betrayal and deceit encountered along the way. Tarzan’s primal connection to the jungle and its creatures, juxtaposed with his human emotions and vulnerabilities, enriches the narrative complexity. Meanwhile, Jane’s resourcefulness and courage highlight her own determination to overcome the obstacles posed by Rokoff and the treacherous elements of her environment.