The Last of the Mohicans · Chapter
XIX explained
The party takes refuge in the ruins of Fort William Henry after the massacre.
What happens
The party takes refuge in the ruins of Fort William Henry after the massacre. As they make camp, an Oneida scout attacks them but is killed by Uncas. The characters discuss the complexities of Native American tribal alliances and enmities, reflecting on the confusion caused by colonial warfare.
Themes in this chapter
Colonial Warfare and Imperialism
The chapter highlights the chaotic alliances and enmities among tribes, exacerbated by European colonial conflicts.
Racial Prejudice and Miscegenation
Hawkeye contrasts white learning with Indian knowledge, and discusses the strained relations between different races and tribes.
Loyalty and Betrayal
The attack by an Oneida, who is nominally an ally of the British, underscores the theme of shifting loyalties.
Characters to notice
- Major Duncan Heyward
Observes the scene from the rampart, uneasy about potential attacks, and questions the scout about the noises.
- Hawkeye
Discusses tribal politics and the confusion of alliances; remains calm and confident in their security.
- Uncas
Kills the Oneida attacker and presents the scalp, demonstrating his skill and composure.
- Chingachgook
Examines the scalp and identifies the attacker as Oneida; remains composed throughout.
- Colonel Munro
Grieving and withdrawn, he is urged by Heyward to rest in a makeshift hut.
Key passages
“What right have Christian whites to boast of their learning, when a savage can read a language that would prove too much for the wisest of them all!”
Hawkeye mocks the arrogance of white men who claim superior education, when an Indian can interpret signs that would baffle the most learned scholar.
Hawkeye defends Indian knowledge and criticizes white pretensions.
“When a man consort much with a people, if they were honest and he no knave, love will grow up atwixt them.”
Hawkeye explains that close association with a group naturally fosters affection, provided both parties are honest.
Hawkeye reflects on the bonds formed between people of different backgrounds.
“Yet a red natur’ is not likely to alter with every shift of policy; so that the love atwixt a Mohican and a Mingo is much like the regard between a white man and a sarpent.”
Hawkeye asserts that Native American loyalties are not easily swayed by political changes, and the enmity between Mohicans and Mingos is as natural as a white man's aversion to a snake.
Hawkeye comments on the deep-seated tribal enmities that persist despite colonial alliances.