The Last of the Mohicans · Chapter
VI explained
In the cavern, the party shares a meal and discusses their safety.
What happens
In the cavern, the party shares a meal and discusses their safety. Heyward and the sisters observe Uncas and Chingachgook, with Cora defending the noble qualities of the natives. Hawkeye explains the geography of the falls and the cave's two outlets. David Gamut introduces himself as a singing master, and at Hawkeye's suggestion, the group sings a hymn, with Alice and Cora joining their voices.
Themes in this chapter
Noble Savage
Cora and Heyward discuss Uncas's noble appearance and natural qualities, contrasting them with civilized virtues.
Wilderness vs. Civilization
The cavern setting and Hawkeye's description of the untamed river highlight the contrast between the wild environment and the travelers' civilized expectations.
Characters to notice
- Major Duncan Heyward
Expresses admiration for Uncas's appearance and discusses the nature of savage virtue with Alice and Cora.
- Cora Munro
Defends Uncas by asking who remembers the shade of his skin when looking at such a creature of nature.
- Alice Munro
Whispers to Heyward that she could sleep peacefully with Uncas as sentinel, and later sings the hymn.
- Hawkeye
Guides the party in the cavern, explains the geography of the falls, and engages David Gamut in conversation about his calling.
- Uncas
Stands in the cavern with a proud and determined expression, admired by the travelers for his noble appearance.
- Chingachgook
Reveals the second outlet of the cavern by lifting a blanket and crossing a chasm.
- David Gamut
Introduces himself as a singing master, produces his psalm book, and leads the hymn singing.
Key passages
“who that looks at this creature of nature, remembers the shade of his skin?”
Cora argues that Uncas's natural nobility makes his skin color irrelevant.
Cora defends Uncas against prejudice.
“Such old foxes as Chingachgook and myself are not often caught in a barrow with one hole”
Hawkeye boasts that he and Chingachgook are too cunning to be trapped in a cave with only one exit.
Hawkeye explains the strategic advantage of the cavern's two outlets.
“I could sleep in peace with such a fearless and generous-looking youth for my sentinel.”
Alice says she would feel safe with Uncas as her guard.
Alice expresses trust in Uncas based on his appearance.