HN+Last+of+the+Mohicans+Response+Questions

//Last of the Mohicans // Response Questions 1. James Fenimore Cooper chose the American wilderness as the setting of his love story to not only provide the element of adventure, but to mirror the cultural clash of the colonists and the Native Americans with the bidding relationship between Cora and Uncas. The frontier is an ideal romantic background, with its picturesque appeal and the sense of adventure it evokes. In addition, at this point in American history, the colonists and the natives conflicted while working together during the war. Throughout the novel, hints are given that Cora, a British officer’s daughter, and Uncas, an important Mohican, are subtly growing closer, unlike Major Heyward’s open relationship with Alice Munro. Therefore, the wilderness produces exciting and romantic connotations, while helping to enhance the uniting of both Uncas and Cora and their cultures during the French and Indian War. 2. Cooper describes the colonial frontier in 1757as untamed and wild. The colonists are forced to eke out a living next to their experienced native neighbors, whose traditional practices are viewed as savage. Cooper’s American wilderness is a place full of adventure and romance, an untouched haven where few other than Indians tread. A land of constant action, it is a place where the brave fight for their nation and a living. With the novel taking place in the midst of the French and Indian War, the frontier is fraught with danger and excitement. The wilderness as described by Cooper is the ideal place for adventure and survival as the colonists and Native Americans fight the war. 3. Natty Bumppo is a white scout who has observed and experienced Indian culture. He spends most of his time with two Mohicans in the wilderness and is closer with the natives than the people of his own race. He serves as the book’s central character because he illustrates the joining of two cultures; as the link between the Native Americans and the colonists, he personifies the alliance between the two cultures during the war. Natty, known as Hawkeye, introduces the Munro sisters and Heyward to native life and serves as their guide through the frontier. He is a relatable character who connects both sides and exposes each of them to the other culture. Hawkeye’s purpose is to display the unification of Native American and colonist cultures. 4. The English treat both the colonists and the natives with contempt, though varying levels. The English considered their Native American as inferior, dispensable pawns. Due to the differences in customs and traditional practices, the Indians were seen as savage. The English did not regard them as important and used them only to advance their cause during the war. The colonists were viewed in a similar way. The proud English felt that the ragtag colonial militia was beneath their organized ranks. The colonists themselves, who had a less rigid social structure, were seen as rabble. However, as the children of the mother country, they were of some value to the British. They were more respected by the British than the Indians. Despite this overall showing of more regard, both the Native Americans and the colonists were treated with scorn from the English. 5. //Last of the Mohicans // was considered a masterpiece in 1823 because it embodied the Romantic movement and glorified American history. The novel has all the emotion, adventure, and focus on nature that characterized the Romantic movement, which was the popular literary style of the time. The novel’s exuberance makes it an engaging read. In addition, it provides a somewhat accurate portrayal of the French and Indian War. The story’s core is an examination of the relationships between the two European nations, the colonists, and the Native Americans. This complex web through a swashbuckling tale set in the breathtaking wilderness. //Last of the Mohicans// is regarded as a masterpiece because of its romantic depiction of relationships and conflicts during an important American historical event. 6. I had very little trouble understanding the novel. My only difficulty was with the un-translated French dialogue, which I had to translate online. I then had to piece together the conversations and meaning based on the fragments I was given by the translating website. That was the hardest part of the novel for me to interpret.