John and Alice from England, are marooned in the western coastal jungles of equatorial Africa in 1888. Some time later, their son John Clayton II is born. When he is one year old his mother dies, and then his father is killed by the savage king ape Kerchak. Boy is adopted by the Kala. Clayton is named Tarzan.
As a boy, feeling alienated from his peers, discovers his parents' cabin, where he first learns of others like himself in their books. he teaches himself to read English.
Upon his return from visit to the cabin, he is attacked by a huge gorilla he kill it with his father's knife, although he is terribly wounded in the struggle. As he grows up, becomes a skilled hunter, exciting the jealousy of Kerchak, who finally attacks him. Tarzan kills Kerchak and became king of the apes.
Later, a tribe of black Africans settle in the area, Kala, is killed by hunter. Avenging himself on the killer.
When Tarzan is adult, a new party is marooned on the coast, including Jane Porter, the first white woman Tarzan has ever seen. Tarzan's cousin, William Cecil Clayton, Tarzan saves Jane from the perils of the jungle. There is French naval officer Paul D'Arnot. Tarzan is rescuing him from the natives, a rescue ship recovers the castaways. D'Arnot teaches him to speak French and offers to take him home, where he might connect with Jane again. Teaches him how to behave there.
Tarzan travels to find Jane in Wisconsin, rescues her from a fire. She has become engaged to William Clayton.
