Introduction to Jane in Disney’s Tarzan

One of the most memorable characters in Disney's animated film Tarzan is Jane Porter, a character who has captivated audiences ever since her appearance. However, her origins are deeply rooted in the literary works of Edgar Rice Burroughs, whose novel Tarzan of the Apes paved the way for her to become a beloved figure in popular culture. In this article, we will explore the character of Jane Porter, her influence on the literary work and how she has been adapted in the film. We will also delve into whether Jane is a character based on any real person or fictional character from literature or film.

The Literary Jane Porter

Edgar Rice Burroughs first introduced Jane Porter as a character in his novel Tarzan of the Apes, published in 1912. In this novel, Jane is described as a young woman with a thirst for adventure, but she is more than just an adventurous spirit. She is also portrayed as a highly educated and trained archaeologist, a professor and a teacher. Throughout the course of the story, the character of Jane is presented as a strong-minded individual who is well-equipped to handle the challenges of the jungle.

Role in the Novel

Jane’s role in the novel is significant. She is the daughter of Professor Jarvis Porter, who is a renowned archaeologist and anthropologist. In the story, Jane and her father are on an expedition to Africa when they encounter the great ape, Tarzan, and are captured and taken to the jungle. It is Jane who takes an immediate liking to Tarzan, and their bond evolves over time. The relationship between Jane and Tarzan serves as a central element in the novel, and through their interactions, Jane learns about the ape's humanity.

Her Father and the Sequel

The sequel to Tarzan of the Apes, The Return of Tarzan, is a pivotal story in the series. In this novel, Tarzan and Jane end up settling down and getting married, indicating a strong and lasting relationship between the two. This is a far cry from the original novel, where her father’s role is to provide background and context, but in the sequel, he takes a more active role in the story.

The Film Adaptation

When Disney decided to create a film adaptation of the story, they made significant modifications to the character of Jane Porter. Although the character retains some of her original traits, such as her intelligence and adventurous spirit, many of the aspects that made her a compelling character in the novel are either diminished or completely absent in the film.

Character Adaptation in the Film

In Disney's film, Jane (voiced by minnie eisenberg in the 2019 sequel) is portrayed as a young and curious zoologist, but she is also portrayed as a damsel in distress, which deviates from her original portrayal in the novel. In the film, Jane is brought to the jungle by a group of poachers, where she meets Tarzan. The use of the term 'damsel' is somewhat problematic as it can be viewed as a limiting trope often used in literature and films, characterized by women being in need of rescue or being the opposite of an equal partner. This portrayal is vastly different from the strong-minded and capable Jane of the novels, who takes initiative and stands up for herself.

Comparison of Character Through Evolution

The adaptation of Jane in the film certainly reflects a shift in the portrayal of female characters in media. In the novel, she is a powerful figure, capable of survival and self-reliance, but in the film, she is cast in the role of a damsel in distress to some extent. This can be seen as a reflection of the evolution of the depiction of female characters, particularly in popular culture and media, which reflects broader societal changes over the years.

Real Person or Fictional Character?

The question of whether Jane is based on any real person or fictional character from literature or film is one that has prompted much speculation. In reality, Edgar Rice Burroughs created Jane Porter as a teacher and a damsel in distress, much like the protagonist in many romance novels. However, it is worth noting that Burroughs was inspired by the figure of the ‘damsel in distress’ trope, which is a common plot device in Gothic and fantasy literature.

Comparison with Literary Characters

One literary character that can be compared to Jane is Puck from Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night's Dream, who is also a central figure in the play, and serves as both a guiding force and a damsel in distress at different points. However, Puck is a magical being and his role in the story is different from Jane’s.

Female Characters in Traditional Stories

Another character that could be compared to Jane is the character of Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome. In the myth, Romulus and Remus are twin boys who are abandoned and found by a shepherd. While there is no character akin to Jane in this myth, as there is no central female character who falls in love with a wolf- or ape-raised human, Jane’s role in her adventure can be seen as similar to the boys in that they were both adopted and underwent a transformation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Jane from Disney’s Tarzan is a character who has captivated audiences, it is important to recognize her origins in the literature of Edgar Rice Burroughs. She was originally a strong and capable woman who has been adapted and recontextualized in the film, reflecting broader changes in how female characters are portrayed in popular culture. Whether she is based on real people or fictional characters from literature or film is open to debate, but one thing is clear: Jane is a character who has become iconic in her own right.