When we think of Tarzan, the iconic character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, it’s easy to picture a muscular man swinging through the jungle with a tribe of apes. However, beneath this adventurous exterior lies a rich tapestry of themes that resonate with transcendentalist philosophy. The idea that nature is a source of truth and self-discovery runs deep in both Tarzan’s story and the broader transcendentalist movement championed by thinkers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. In this essay, we’ll explore how Tarzan can be seen as a modern-day reflection of these philosophical ideals.
The Call of Nature
At the heart of transcendentalism is an unwavering belief in the power and importance of nature. Emerson famously argued that nature serves as a guide to understanding our true selves. For Tarzan, his journey begins not in civilization but in the wilds of Africa. Raised by apes after being orphaned, he embodies this fundamental idea: his identity is shaped by his surroundings rather than societal norms or conventions. This notion brings us back to Emerson’s view that humans are inherently good and must reconnect with their natural roots to find clarity and purpose.
Tarzan’s connection to nature goes beyond mere survival; it’s almost spiritual. He listens to the rhythms of the jungle, understands animal instincts, and respects his environment deeply—qualities that mirror Thoreau’s ideas from “Walden.” Thoreau spent years living simply in nature, advocating for self-reliance and personal introspection away from societal distractions. Similarly, when Tarzan finds himself torn between two worlds—the civilized world represented by Jane Porter and his primal existence—he grapples with who he really is at his core.
The Individual vs Society
One striking aspect of both Tarzan’s story and transcendentalism is the tension between individuality and societal expectations. Transcendentalists believed that society often imposes constraints on individuals’ true selves; they encouraged people to break free from conformity to discover their authentic identities. In many ways, Tarzan personifies this struggle throughout his adventures.
When he encounters Western civilization for the first time, he experiences a culture shock that highlights its contradictions—both alluring yet confining. Jane represents this new world filled with social rules and obligations which are completely foreign to him. As much as he is drawn toward her kindness and intellect, he also senses that entering her world could mean losing touch with who he fundamentally is—a common dilemma faced by anyone caught between two cultures or lifestyles.
The Importance of Intuition
An essential tenet of transcendentalism is trusting one’s intuition over societal dictates or empirical evidence alone. This intuitive sense guides characters like Tarzan throughout their journeys as they navigate complex relationships within their environments or communities. While learning about humanity from Jane exposes him to new thoughts and feelings about love—which transcends mere survival—it also brings internal conflict regarding what it means to be human versus what it means to be wild.
In various adaptations—whether it be films or literature—we see moments where Tarzan relies on instinct rather than logic or learned behavior from society around him; just like Thoreau emphasized listening closely enough so one can hear one’s inner voice amid noise surrounding them! It’s fascinating because even when faced with challenges posed by civilization (such as greed manifested through antagonistic characters), he consistently returns back towards principles grounded in nature—and not necessarily those dictated by human constructs.
A Harmonious Existence
A transcendent life involves achieving harmony between humanity’s innate instincts rooted deep within us while fostering connections outside ourselves—including other beings whether animal or human alike! The struggles experienced during interactions reflect broader themes surrounding coexisting amidst diversity without losing essence behind who we truly are at core levels—not just externally judged facades presented outwardly onto others!
This idea resonates strongly in every iteration depicting journey undertaken together alongside Jane: ultimately striving towards balance! Such pursuits reflect hopefulness present throughout transcendental thought processes promoting unity instead division arising merely out egotistical desires alone!
Conclusion
In examining Tarzan through the lens of transcendentalism, we uncover layers beneath an action-packed surface narrative—it becomes apparent why his tale continues captivating audiences generations later! His embodiment reflects core principles championed during 19th century emphasizing introspection rooted deeply connectedness found only through recognizing oneself intimately intertwined within natural landscapes surrounding each person inhabiting Earth today—a perspective still relevant now more than ever given current environmental crises faced globally!
So next time you watch a film adaptation featuring our beloved jungle hero swinging from vines—and perhaps even falling head over heels for someone lost amidst complexities modern life throw at us—take moment pause reflect deeper meanings nestled quietly awaiting discovery behind every thrilling escapade unfolding before eyes!
References
- Burroughs, Edgar Rice. “Tarzan of the Apes.” 1914.
- Emerson, Ralph Waldo. “Nature.” 1836.
- Thoreau, Henry David. “Walden.” 1854.
- Parker, Michael S., “Transcendentalism: A Reader.” 2007.
- Baker Jr., Carlos H., “The Transcendentalists.” 1971.
