Last of the Mohicans

¶ … Last of the Mohicans" by James Fenimore Cooper. The paper will especially focus on the role of women and how they were treated in those days and their contribution in warfare as depicted in The Last of the Mohicans as compared to nowadays.

The Last of the Mohicans

The Last of the Mohicans takes place in the midst of the French-Indian war. It focuses on one battle in a war that lasted for many years. This was the last and most important conflict over French and British possessions in North America. Unlike the earlier wars, which began in Europe and spread to America, this struggle broke out solely in America in 1754, and was not settled until 1763.

This book depicts the battle of Fort William Henry and adds the fictional kidnapping of two sisters Cora and Alice who are also the main female characters of this book. It is an account of two opposing tribes; the Delawares and the Hurons. The Hurons (Magua's tribe) are depicted as an extension of Magua himself. They are ambitious to take down the foresters, thereby avenging the warriors they have lost. The Delawares on the other hand, are the descendents of the Mohicans. They are more peaceful and considerate than the Huron.

Another major character is the colonial scout Hawkeye who is the main protagonist of the novel. He is a white man who has spent most of his life in the company of the Mohicans and who, with his two Indian companions Chingachgook and his son Uncas, stumble on a party of British soldiers who have taken the responsibility of taking Cora and Alice to their father, the commander of British Fort William Henry.

This party is led by a Huron scout, Magua. However, to Hawkeye, Magua seems an unreliable leader and indeed, Hawkeye's judgment is soon proved right as Magua treacherously betrays the girls for the sake of his own personal motives and revenge. Magua is thus the antagonist of the novel. His evil nature exists in stark contrast to the goodness of the Mohicans. He is a villain because of the misfortunes he has suffered at the hands of European conquerors. The distrust that Hawkeye and the Mohicans feel for Magua from the start sets up what will be the central conflict in the book, more so than the French-Indian war: the clashing between tribes of the Delaware and tribes of the Huron.

The depiction of the two sisters Cora and Alice provides valuable insight into race issues surrounding multiracial people in those days and also highlights the role of women as seen in that time. Cora is the elder sister and is a voice of reason and strength. As a woman who has mixed blood, and is coveted by both Uncas and Magua, she becomes a symbol of cultural meetings, as well as a symbol of European pride. By far she is one of the most admirable characters, with a mothering, selfless nature that cares only to keep her sister safe. Alice is the younger sister who loves and respects Cora tremendously. Alice is the typical maiden, light-hearted and weak, prone to fainting and crying. It is Cora, who makes real contributions to the welfare of the group as we later see throughout the book.

One must note how the author has depicted the role of women in those days through the two characters of Cora and Alice. He portrays the character of Alice as the anti-Indian. Not only is she a soft woman, but also she has golden hair, light eyes, and a chattering personality. She is everything that an Indian should not be. In this way she contrasts strongly with her dark-haired, less bubbly sister. The author uses Cora to blur the lines between Europeans and Indians. She speaks much more seldom than Alice does but when she does speak, her words are profound. The silence she maintains most of the time appears to be contemplative. That she is more willing to trust the Indian credits her as an open-minded person who wants to judge people as individuals, not by race.

It is Cora who comes upon a plan that might be able to save them and have them rescued. One must again note that the author allows a woman to formulate such a plan, and to exhibit such bravery. Clearly, Cooper has tried to depict that women can be brave, can be intelligent. The character of Cora is indeed admirable. She sees what needs to be done and sets forth to accomplish it, without complaining or crying. Alice however, is not a tremendous help. She cries more often than anything else. Cora alone is a pure model of strength. She is suited to deal with hardship. In her own way Cora is warrior, one who leads by example and fights danger with quiet and calmness. Cora takes a far more practical view of matters. She is more than willing to risk herself for the well-being of her friends.

Cora's mixed heritage (which is revealed later) explains why she is closer to the Indians. When Magua runs off with Alice, Cora follows both out of affection for her sister and of course out of bravery.. The more selfless she appears, the more the reader admires her. There is no thought of her own safety; she easily could have let Alice go. But her character does not allow her to think of her own welfare over others.

Cora is willing to die if it will save her from a terrible future. Magua's henchman does kill her, but she has already won the battle with Magua by denying him his sweet revenge. Still, the reader mourns the loss of Cora. Her death is tragic.

Cora's relationship with her younger sister Alice demonstrates a distinct mother-daughter pattern that manifests itself in every interaction between the two women. Alice depends on Cora as her champion and defender but, most unmistakably as a mother figure. Cora maintains a position of motherly nurture with her sister, however, when interacting with other situations, Cora adjusts her character accordingly.