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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the secret place where Hawkeye, Chingachgook and Uncas take the major and the Munro girls?

2. What does Magua want Cora to do after becoming his wife?

3. Where do they stop to rest?

4. Who spots the four hiding in the back of the cave?

5. What is one thing Col. Munro says he never thought he would see?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Col. Munro try to determine about Heyward's preference for Alice as a future wife?

2. What does Cora manage to convince the men to do?

3. What takes place after the slaughter of the refugees from Fort Henry?

4. Describe the time and events during which the story begins.

5. What are the arguments Heyward uses to try and get Magua to side with the captives?

6. Describe what happens when a warrior takes a baby as ransom for a woman's shawl.

7. Why does Hawkeye say they returned to the cave site?

8. Relate how Chingachgook explains why the Mohicans were finally unable to beat back the Iroquois.

9. What does Cora learn about Magua's early history?

10. How do Heyward, Hawkeye, Uncas, and Chingachgook attempt to capture Magua after they learn that he has betrayed Heyward and the girls?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Do some research about James Fenimore Cooper and discuss his use of actual people and events in his writing. [Note: a good research source is WILLIAM COOPER'S TOWN by Alan Taylor] Write your essay about how realistic the characters are. Give your impressions about Cooper's knowledge of the American Indian.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about historical fiction. Explain how including actual historical facts in a fiction story makes the tale more realistic. Discuss how Cooper's use of real tribal names enhances his story of THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. What is the importance of the French and Indian War to the story?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay on preconceptions in THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS. Although Cooper attempts to show nobility in the native American, define how only the ones friendly to the English come across as noble. In your opinion, how much actual research went into writing about the Huron, the Delaware, and the Mohicans. Include the fact that Cooper's novels were not only popular in America but they were also well received in Europe. To what extent does this novel contribute to public preconceptions about native Americans?

(see the answer keys)

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