LITR 4232 American Renaissance 2008
Text-Objective Presentation

Thursday, 4 September: Cooper, The Last of the Mohicans, through chapter 13 (thru p. 133 in Penguin edition.)

Text-Objective Discussion: Bryan McDonald

Objective 3. To use literature as a basis for discussing representative problems and subjects of American culture (Historicism), such as equality (race, gender, class); modernization and tradition; the individual, family; and community; nature; the role of writers in an anti-intellectual society.

Late in Chapter 4, evidence arises displaying the cultural differences and breaking stereotypes amongst the Native Americans and Europeans. Specifically, Cooper displays this during a meeting my Hawkeye and Heyward. The conversation that follows arouses suspicion over Magua and thus divides the Indian image in two. Cooper implies—and it is stated by Hawkeye—the Huron are untrustworthy. Cooper both hints towards Magua’s treachery, but also allows for readers to accept a broadened image of Native Americans.

While seemingly building the image of American Indians, Cooper also manages to mildly poke fun at Europeans, most specifically by way of Gamut. Whilst Hawkeye may be white by origin, he seems endowed with these Indian qualities: his sense of the land, ability to track, hunt, and friendship with Ching. Cooper uses Hawkeye as a buffer between Europeans and Indian Culture. One instance in Chapter 6, involves the perpetual singing by Gamut and the ridicule handed out by Hawkeye. This occurs again in Chapter 12, when Gamut insists song is necessary after he, Cora, and Alice have been rescued.

In turn, Cora serves as an equal—or perhaps greater—tool for merging the cultures. Early in the first chapter, Cora interest in Magua draws attention. Again Cora seems to eliminate the implicated racial lines as she begins to develop a relationship with Uncas. Specifically while hiding in the cave.

1) How does Cooper enable certain characters to show strengths in both the race and gender?

2) Can Magua be considered Hawkeye’s countpart?

3) While Cooper displays Uncas and Ching as being good natured and trustworthy, does he undermine the image of other Indians with his character Magua and the Hurons?

4) Could this represent in underlying racism from Cooper himself?