The Last of the Mohicans · Chapter
XII explained
Hawkeye explains how he and the Mohicans tracked the party by observing the horses' unusual gait, leading to a rescue.
What happens
Hawkeye explains how he and the Mohicans tracked the party by observing the horses' unusual gait, leading to a rescue. A fierce hand-to-hand battle ensues, during which Magua escapes, and the sisters are freed. The chapter ends with emotional reunions and Hawkeye freeing David Gamut.
Themes in this chapter
Wilderness vs. Civilization
Hawkeye's tracking expertise and the Mohicans' combat skills contrast with the civilized horses' unusual gait, highlighting the clash between natural knowledge and artificial breeding.
Revenge and Justice
Magua's attempt to kill Cora and the subsequent battle reflect the theme of revenge, while Hawkeye's refusal to kill the defenseless Magua touches on notions of justice.
Racial Prejudice and Miscegenation
Hawkeye's prejudice against the Mingoes is evident in his comments, and Uncas's sympathetic gaze at the sisters hints at cross-racial attraction.
Characters to notice
- Hawkeye
Explains the tracking method and leads the rescue; fights in the battle and spares Magua after his escape.
- Uncas
Correctly identifies the horses' gait; fights fiercely in the battle and assists in freeing the sisters.
- Chingachgook
Fights in the battle and takes scalps from the slain Hurons.
- Major Duncan Heyward
Engages in hand-to-hand combat with a Huron; helps release Alice after the battle.
- Cora Munro
Freed from the tree after being grazed by a tomahawk; comforts Alice after their rescue.
- Alice Munro
Released by Uncas and Heyward; expresses joy and gratitude for their deliverance.
Key passages
“Uncas was bold enough to say, that the beasts ridden by the gentle ones, planted the legs of one side on the ground at the same time, which is contrary to the movements of all trotting four-footed animals of my knowledge, except the bear.”
Uncas noticed that the horses moved both legs on one side together, unlike most trotting animals except bears.
Hawkeye recounts Uncas's observation of the horses' unusual gait, which led them to the rescue site.
“The name of 'La Longue Carabine' burst simultaneously from every lip, and was succeeded by a wild and a sort of plaintive howl.”
The Hurons cried out 'La Longue Carabine' in fear and awe after Hawkeye's deadly shot.
The Hurons recognize Hawkeye by his legendary nickname after he kills one of their warriors.
“Uncas answered the whoop, and leaping on an enemy, with a single, well-directed blow of his tomahawk, cleft him to the brain.”
Uncas responded to the war cry and killed an enemy instantly with a tomahawk blow to the head.
Uncas demonstrates his combat prowess during the hand-to-hand battle.