Last+of+the+Mohicans-TJ

Taylor Jones AP U.S History Mr. Rowells August 18th, 2009 __ Last of the Mohicans: Reflection __ The novel __Last of the Mohicans__ shows how French and British cultures interact with the Native Americans. In particular, it shows the French and British interactions with two Native American tribes: the Iroquois and the Delaware or Mohicans. In the novel, the French are allied with the Iroquois while the British become companions with the Mohicans. The French culture looks down on the Native Americans while the British culture views the Mohicans as powerful allies and equals. The British Major Heyward is traveling with the daughters of General Munro, when an Indian offers to guide them to the fort. Heyward agrees and this shows his trusting of the Indian race. Although the Indian becomes treacherous, the group is saved and guided by Hawkeye and the Mohicans who earn Heyward’s gratitude and friendship. When they reach the fort, however, it is besieged by a large French force that is allied with the Iroquois. While the French are allied with the Iroquois, they see them as nothing but savages and a means to an end. The French general Montcalm shows his racism towards the Indians by reminding Heyward of their bloodthirsty ways and he describes them as if they were animals. The strained relationship between the French and Indians is also shown when the Iroquois ignore Montcalm’s promise of safe passage to the British, and they attack the British without mercy. The British General Munro is heartbroken over the kidnapping of his daughters and he puts their lives in the hands of the Mohican warriors who find a trail in the woods to follow. This is a trust that the French would never give to an Indian because the French don’t trust the Indians and the Indians don’t respect the French. Hawkeye and the Mohicans do come to respect their British allies, especially Heyward who shows great prowess in battle and a determination to save the girls. The British did not immediately get along with Hawkeye and the Mohicans, Hawkeye criticizes Gamut for his useless pitch pipe and the Indians kill Gamut’s colt, which is making too much noise. This upsets Gamut, but Hawkeye eventually makes peace with him over a keg while they are hiding in the cave. Munro comes to respect the Mohicans as they tirelessly search for his daughters after the Iroquois attack. His respect is very different from the French and it is something that was very rare at that time. Heyward gets along the best with the Indians and Hawkeye, but his respect his truly solidified when Hawkeye beats him in a shooting contest where he displays almost superhuman skill. The French on the other hand, allied themselves with very powerful Indian nations but it is a poor choice that they do not respect them. The general Montcalm simply expects the Indians to obey him, which they do not when they attack the British against his orders. In conclusion, the British have a good relationship with their Indian allies, the Mohicans. They respect them and earn their respect in turn, especially Heyward. The British show a much more open mind towards the Indians and collaborate with them to make decisions. The French, however, have a very strained relationship with their Native American allies. Even the general Montcalm does not respect the Indians and he presumes to have his orders followed without question. He does not include the Indians in his decisions and he is close minded towards their customs which, in part, prompts the unprovoked attack on the British forces.