# VI explained — The Last of the Mohicans

> Chapter companion for The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_last_of_the_mohicans_se/chapters/vi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_last_of_the_mohicans_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_last_of_the_mohicans_se/chapters