AP+The+Last+of+the+Mohicans+Response+-

The Last of the Mohicans Relationships The French and Indian War began in 1754 and came to an end in 1763. During this time, the British and the French colonists battled against each other over American soil. The Native American Indians seemed to be caught in the middle and had no choice but to join the war. Many of the Native Americans became allies with the French because they were strong trade partners. There were, however, some Native Americans that allied with the British including the Cherokee tribe. In the novel //The Last of the Mohicans// by James Fenimore Cooper, the relationships between Native Americans and the British and French colonists is portrayed. The novel is set in the wild forest frontier of New York. Although the Native Americans allied with the French, our story is about a white man and his Native American companions as they rescue and form a bond with the daughters of the British commander. Hawkeye, a white scout, and his Native American friends, Chingachgook and Uncas, are traveling together. Hawkeye has adopted these people as friends and does not judge them because they are Native American. He instead helps and comforts them because they are the last of their once great Mohican tribe. Cora and Alice, the daughters of the British commander, run into Hawkeye and his friends. The sisters are skeptical at first, but soon develop feelings for the Native Americans. It is not long before Cora discovers she is in love with Uncas. Cora herself is part black, so she is able to accept that Uncas is Native American. Alice, Cora’s half-sister, is in love with Heyward, an American colonist. Alice and Cora are very different and Alice is shocked with her sister’s love for an Indian man. During the withdrawal of English forces from Fort William Henry, the Indian allies of the French attack. The French relationship with the Indians served them greatly in the war. They helped with many battles and gave the French a better chance against the British. Magua, a Huron Indian, seeks revenge on the British commander. Once a leader of his people, Magua was driven form his tribe by the commander. Magua despises the commander and all British colonists. His relationship with the British is shown throughout the entire novel as he attempts to capture the commander’s young daughters. Magua’s hatred causes many problems for Hawkeye and his friends. As Hawkeye and his Indian companions travel through the wild forest frontier, they develop new relationships with the most unexpected people.  The novel displays the many relationships between Native Americans and the colonists. In the midst of a war, Hawkeye and his friends are able to help the colonists. The British and Native Americans grow many strong relationships with each other during the novel and the French are able to maintain their Indian allies.