The Last of the Mohicans · Chapter
Endnotes explained
The endnotes provide historical, geographical, and cultural annotations to the novel, clarifying terms, locations, and customs referenced in the narrative, such as the description of Glenn's Falls, the significance of salt licks, the origin
What happens
The endnotes provide historical, geographical, and cultural annotations to the novel, clarifying terms, locations, and customs referenced in the narrative, such as the description of Glenn's Falls, the significance of salt licks, the origin of the name 'Mingo,' the practice of presenting medals to Indian chiefs, the location of Ballston, Baron Dieskau's defeat, the mockingbird's range, the beauties of Lake George, Indian harangues, the dish 'samp,' the legendary chief Tamenund, William Penn's reputation, the term 'blazed' for trees, the tactics of Wayne's campaign, the naming of Lake George, Washington's role in the battle, Narragansett horses, scalping practices, the hunting-shirt, rifle lengths, the tradition of Asiatic origin, twilight duration, the use of 'castle' for Indian villages, and the colloquial term 'relish.'
Themes in this chapter
Wilderness vs. Civilization
The note on Glenn's Falls contrasts the natural beauty of the cataract with the 'improvements' of civilized life, illustrating the tension between wilderness and human development.
Colonial Warfare and Imperialism
Multiple notes reference battles and military figures (Dieskau, Johnson, Washington, Wayne) of the French and Indian War, highlighting the colonial struggle for North America.
Racial Prejudice and Miscegenation
The note on the tradition of Asiatic origin of Native Americans touches on contemporary racial theories, while the explanation of scalping and warrior customs reflects Euro-American perceptions of indigenous peoples.
Characters to notice
- Hawkeye
Mentioned in the note about Glenn's Falls and his taste for natural beauty.
- Tamenund
Referenced as the renowned chief from whom the name Tamenay is derived.
- Sir William Johnson
Noted as the victor over Baron Dieskau on Lake George.
- General Webb
Implied in the note about Washington admonishing the European general (Webb) before the battle.
Key passages
“The rocky island and the two caverns are known to every traveler, since the former sustains the pier of a bridge, which is now thrown across the river, immediately above the fall.”
The rocky island and two caves are familiar to all visitors because the island now supports a bridge pier just above the waterfall.
Describes the modern alteration of Glenn's Falls.
“In explanation of the taste of Hawkeye, it should be remembered that men always prize that most which is least enjoyed.”
To understand Hawkeye's preference, one must recall that people value most what they rarely experience.
Explains Hawkeye's appreciation for the wilderness.
“The scene of the foregoing incidents is on the spot where the village of Ballston now stands; one of the two principal watering places of America.”
The events described took place where the village of Ballston is now located, one of America's two major spa towns.
Identifies the real-world location of the story's opening.
“The powers of the American mockingbird are generally known. But the true mockingbird is not found so far north as the state of New York, where it has, however, two substitutes of inferior excellence, the catbird...and the bird vulgarly called ground-thresher.”
While the mockingbird is famous, it does not live as far north as New York; instead, the catbird and the brown thrasher serve as less accomplished substitutes.
Clarifies the ornithological accuracy of the novel's bird references.
“The beauties of Lake George are well known to every American tourist. In the height of the mountains which surround it, and in artificial accessories, it is inferior to the finest of the Swiss and Italian lakes, while in outline and purity of water it is fully their equal; and in the number and disposition of its isles and islets much superior to them all together.”
Lake George is famous among American travelers; though its mountain scenery and man-made features cannot match the best Swiss or Italian lakes, its shape and clear water are comparable, and it surpasses them in the quantity and arrangement of its islands.
Compares Lake George to European lakes, asserting its unique merits.
“These harangues of the beasts were frequent among the Indians. They often address their victims in this way, reproaching them for cowardice or commending their resolution, as they may happen to exhibit fortitude or the reverse, in suffering.”
Indians commonly delivered such speeches to their captives, either taunting them for cowardice or praising their bravery depending on how they endured pain.
Explains the cultural practice of addressing victims before torture.
