Tarzan’s age in the Disney animated movie is never explicitly stated, but based on visual cues, narrative context, and inferences from his development, he is generally accepted to be around 18 years old when he meets Jane. This estimation aligns with the point at which young men reach physical maturity and begin to explore romantic relationships, crucial elements of the film’s storyline.
A Deep Dive into Tarzan’s Timeline
Determining Tarzan’s precise age requires a bit of detective work. The movie provides glimpses into his life at different stages, allowing us to piece together a plausible timeline. We see him as a toddler when his parents are killed, then witness his growth under Kala’s care, eventually reaching his prime, a powerful, intelligent, and physically adept young man.
Early Life and Development
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Infancy: The film begins with Tarzan as a baby, just a few months old. This is a crucial starting point as it establishes the timeframe for his development.
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Childhood: We see glimpses of Tarzan’s childhood, learning to navigate the jungle and interact with his gorilla family. This period likely spans several years, perhaps from ages 3 to 10.
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Adolescence: Tarzan’s teenage years are marked by his increasing athleticism, problem-solving skills, and curiosity about his origins. This phase could be estimated to last from ages 11 to 17.
Clues from Physical Appearance and Behavior
Tarzan’s physical appearance offers valuable insight. He possesses the mature physique of a young adult, with defined muscles and an athletic build. His behavior, while often playful and instinctual, also exhibits signs of maturity, especially in his protective instincts toward Kala and his willingness to learn from Jane.
The Arrival of Jane and the External Timeline
The arrival of Jane and her expedition is a critical event. It marks a turning point in Tarzan’s life and provides an external timeline. Given Jane’s own age and the cultural norms of the time period depicted (likely the late 19th century), it’s reasonable to assume that Tarzan is of an age where a romantic relationship could plausibly develop. A teenager wouldn’t resonate as well with the intended message.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tarzan’s Age
Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore and clarify Tarzan’s age in the Disney animated movie.
1. Why isn’t Tarzan’s age explicitly stated in the movie?
The movie prioritizes storytelling over specific numerical details. Leaving Tarzan’s exact age ambiguous allows viewers to connect with the character on a more emotional level, focusing on his journey of self-discovery rather than his precise age. It’s a common narrative technique in animated films aimed at a broad audience.
2. Is Tarzan’s age the same in the book as in the Disney movie?
No, Tarzan’s age varies between the original Edgar Rice Burroughs novels and the Disney adaptation. In the books, Tarzan’s life is chronicled over a much longer period, and his age at various points is more explicitly defined. The Disney movie simplifies the timeline and focuses on a specific period of his young adulthood.
3. How does Tarzan’s upbringing affect his apparent age?
Tarzan’s upbringing in the jungle significantly impacts his physical and mental development. He matures faster physically due to the demands of his environment, learning survival skills and developing exceptional athleticism. However, his emotional maturity might be slightly delayed due to his isolation from human society.
4. Does Kala’s lifespan influence our understanding of Tarzan’s age?
Kala’s lifespan as a gorilla provides a general timeframe. Gorillas typically reach maturity around 8-10 years. Considering Tarzan’s age relative to Kala, it reinforces the assumption that he is in his late teens or early twenties when he meets Jane. Kala’s aging serves as a visual marker of time passing.
5. How do we know the approximate time period in which the movie is set, and how does this affect his estimated age?
The movie’s setting is generally inferred to be the late 19th century based on Jane’s clothing, the technology used by the expedition, and the overall aesthetic. This historical context helps us understand the social norms and expectations surrounding age and relationships during that time, suggesting that Tarzan would likely be of marriageable age.
6. Could Tarzan be younger than 18? What are the arguments against this?
While possible, it’s less likely. A younger Tarzan wouldn’t carry the same gravitas and level of independence displayed in the film. A significant plot element is Tarzan’s developing relationship with Jane, which seems more credible with an older protagonist.
7. Are there any official Disney sources that mention Tarzan’s age?
Disney typically refrains from providing definitive ages for its characters unless it’s crucial to the plot. This ambiguity allows for broader audience identification and avoids limiting the character’s appeal. Therefore, there isn’t an official age confirmation from Disney.
8. How does Tarzan’s knowledge of English relate to his age?
Tarzan’s ability to learn English quickly from Jane implies a level of cognitive development associated with late adolescence or early adulthood. A younger child might struggle more with language acquisition, especially in such a short period.
9. Does Tarzan’s leadership of the gorilla troop give us any clues about his age?
While Kerchak remains the alpha until his death, Tarzan’s growing influence within the troop indicates a level of maturity and respect earned over time. He isn’t seen as a child; rather a young, powerful member of the troop. This maturity suggests he is on the cusp of adulthood.
10. How does the theme of “belonging” relate to Tarzan’s estimated age?
The film emphasizes Tarzan’s struggle to find where he belongs. As an adult, this is a central question for him. As a pre-teen, it may not have the same powerful effect. An older Tarzan has more weight attached to the “where do I belong” narrative.
11. Can we use the actors’ ages to estimate Tarzan’s age?
No, voice actors’ ages often don’t reflect the age of the characters they portray. For example, Tony Goldwyn, who voiced Tarzan, was considerably older than the character’s estimated age. Voice acting requires embodying the character’s persona, not necessarily matching their age.
12. How important is it to know Tarzan’s exact age for enjoying the movie?
It’s not essential at all. The film’s emotional resonance comes from its themes of family, identity, and love, not from precise numerical details. Whether Tarzan is 17, 18, or 19, the core message of the film remains powerful and impactful. Understanding the approximate range of his age helps to contextualize the story and character development, but the precise number is largely irrelevant to the overall viewing experience.