Summary:
The Last of the Mohicans is a novel by James Fenimore Cooper. The story is set in the late 1750s, during the French and Indian war, in western New York State. In the beginning of the story, Alice and Core Munro attempt to visit their father, Colonel Munro, the British commander of Fort William Henry.
The Last of the Mohicans is a novel by James Fenimore Cooper. The story is set in the late 1750s, during the French and Indian war, in western New York State. In the beginning of the story, Alice and Core Munro attempt to visit their father, Colonel Munro, the British commander of Fort William Henry. Alice and Cora are escorted by Major Duncan Heyward, and guided by an Indian named Magua. Later in their journey, they are joined by David Gamut, a singing master and Calvanist. Some other characters in the book include the brave woodsman, Hawkeye, and his loyal Mohican friends, Chingachgook, and his son, Uncas.
During the book, the characters encounter various obstacles. At one point, Magua, a Huron, betrays the group by leading them in the wrong direction. In an ending battle, Core is killed by a Huron Indian, and Uncas, a Mohican who had a romantic connection with Cora, tries to attack the Huron who killed his beloved. Uncas' attempt fails, though, and Magua kills him by stabbing him in the back. In the end of the story, Tamenunt, an ancient wise and revered Delaware Indian, sorrowfully declares that he had lived to see the last warrior of the noble race of the Mohicans.
There are many elements which made The Last of the Mohicans a very enjoyable book. One such element is in the many mimetic qualities of the book, such as the setting. Secondly, the plausible picture of life on the frontier is accurately shown by the communication of the dangers of frontier life, such as wolves and various impediments faced by the characters in the story. I also enjoyed learning more about the lives and customs of the various Indian tribes, such as the Delaware Indians, the Hurons, the Algonquin Indians, and the Iroquois.
I also enjoyed the incorporations of many basic life lessons that are portrayed by Cooper. One such lesson is in the negative view of revenge. Throughout The Last of the Mohicans, Cooper shows the severe consequences of Magua's intended revenge. Magua was intent upon harming the daughters or Colonel Munro, because Monro had enforced the humiliating punishment of banishing Magua from his tribe. Another lesson taught is through the negativity of drunkenness. This is shown when the main villain in the story, Magua, is publicly embarrassed by being banished from his tribe for drunkenness.
The many aesthetic elements that exist in The Last of the Mohicans make this book enjoyable to read. One such element is in Cooper's extensive use of description. One example of such a description is that of Alice and Cora. the intricate portrait that Cooper provides helps the reader to get a better picture of the physical appearance of the characters. A second interesting elements is in Cooper's use of such diverse characters. Each character is given a specific personality, making it easy for the reader to understand the motives of the characters. Another way in which Copper makes the book easier to read is in the use of action throughout the story. He allows the characters to encounter various obstacles along their journey, such as the numerous captures made by Magua and the Huron tribe. Cooper's use of suspense keeps the reader guessing as to how each event will conclude.
Overall, I found James Fenimore Cooper's The Last of the Mohicans to be very enjoyable to read. Through the book I learned many valuable lessons, as well as many interesting facts about Indian Culture.
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