The Concept Of Orientalism In 'Tarzan Of The Apes'

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Recommended: Introduction to orientalism edward said

Edward Said’s concept of Orientalism manifests itself greatly in ‘Tarzan of the Apes’; displaying that even though Tarzan was born in Africa, he is different and superior to other Africans due to his genetic ancestry. Not only is Tarzan displayed as superior to black men, but he is also shown as superior to other white men as well - being displayed as a new ideal for the white man. The following will be examining Tarzan through Said’s theories of Orientalism - demonstrating that Burroughs treats black Africans as oriental others. The concept of orientalism is demonstrated through having the character Tarzan placed in an unfamiliar environment, where he must then overcome various circumstances. Tarzan is faced with not being as strong as the other apes, however he overcomes this inferiority with the assistance of his self-taught knowledge. This self-taught knowledge is, on its own, a display of superiority to the other Africans because other men were not required to teach themselves. Similarly, in the text, Tarzan makes the choice not to eat Kulonga, which implies that he is superior to the blacks of Africa because they are not intelligent or caring enough to not eat another man. This implies to the reader that perhaps they are not men at all. This further contributes to the idea that there is a concept of “whiteness”, and that in describing an individual as black, you are defining them as different. Conversely, defining a person as white is simply defining them as human. The story of Tarzan of the Apes also displays the concept of ‘whiteness’ through D’Arnot’s description of the tribe who plans to eat him. D’Arnot describes them in terms of animals, beast like, not that of a man. D’Arnot places himself on a level of superiority, ... ... middle of paper ... ...ating people by the color of their skin. Furthermore showing this racism throughout all walks of life even within the novel. This furthers supports Said’s theory of Orientalism in that it is displaying the Westernized world deeming itself as superior to that of the Orient or others. Racism can be seen in Tarzan through Burroughs having the characters think and say things that directly and indirectly imply that the blacks of Africa are inferior. Also having the black Africans carryout cannibalistic rituals that in today’s world would not be accepted by society. By doing this, he has isolated them from the rest of humanity, allowing individuals to see them as an “other”, or something that is not of the same group because of this behavior. Upon examining Tarzan through Said’s theories of Orientalism it is seen that Burroughs treats black Africans as oriental others.

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