Last of the Mohicans

Duncan's choice of Cora over Alice shows the paradigm of male/female relationships during the time depicted in the novel.

What role does nature play in the novel?

Nature in the novel is essentially regarded from two diverse viewpoints: that of the colonialists and that of the natives. For the colonialists, coming from an industrialized and urbanized setting, nature presents challenges and dangers. Mountains and lakes prove time- and energy consuming as the armies advance in the land. As such, nature is personified, and plays the role of an additional character in the book. It is an almost conscious force, seeking to block progress for the colonists.

The same natural force is an ally to the Native Americans depicted in the book. A fundamental understanding of natural processes give the natives an advantage over the colonists. This also places them in a position to take advantage of...
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