The historical accuracy and cultural stereotypes in Last of the Mohicans

¶ … Last of the Mohicans

What extent should this film be used as a historical source?

This film does have some degree of historical accuracy, insofar as depicting the larger political situations that existed among the British, French, and Native-American tribes in the period leading up to the American Revolution. Many of the details, however, are most likely inaccurate; the Mohicans and the Huron were not well studied by Cooper, on whose book the film was based.

3.What Political aspects were seen in this film?

Issues of colonialism and the ownership of the land, as well as questions of right and wrong when it comes to warfare and the definition of invasion and battle, are all addressed in the film. These are still issues that are hugely important and often defined explicitly by a matter of politics rather than any absolute truths.

4.What Intellectual aspects were seen in this film?

Many of the political issues addressed in the film also constitute logical/intellectual arguments. The nature of power and its relationship to rights is a very prominent issue addressed in several ways throughout the film.

5.What Religious aspects were seen in this film?

Religion is not especially central to the film, but the scene in which Cora is threatened to be burned at the stake shows the level of power and connection that the Huron's perceive between the ast and the present, and life and death.

6.What Arts aspects were seen in this film?

The design of the various clothing worn by the French army, the British army, the Hurons, and Hawkeye -- as well as the female characters of the film -- showed the differing aesthetic values that these different cultures had.

7.What Technological aspects were seen in this film?

The technology demonstrated in the film was almost entirely militaristic in nature. From the British rocket flare to Hawkeye's gun and some of the more rudimentary weapons used by the Huron, these technologies were a source of power through their ability to inflict pain and death on others more efficiently.

8.What Economic and Social classes were seen in this film?

Both social and economic class, amongst the Europeans and the Native Americans, was also most visible as a military element in the film. General Webb was definitely in a higher position than many of his men, as was Munro. The Chief's overruling of Magua's desires also demonstrates social class differences.

9. What aspects were missing from this film to make the film complete.

In order to make this film complete, a better understanding of the lead up to the British, French, and Indian conflict would have been useful. These were complex civilizations in a time of great flux, and understanding the complexities of their interrelationships would have been beneficial.