# XX explained — The Last of the Mohicans

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

## What happens

Hawkeye, Chingachgook, Uncas, Heyward, and Munro navigate the narrows of Lake Horican while being pursued by Hurons. They spot a fire on an island and debate whether to proceed. A chase ensues with gunfire exchanged; Chingachgook is grazed by a bullet but continues paddling. Hawkeye fires Killdeer, wounding a Huron, and the pursuers pause. The party presses on, with Heyward taking a paddle to help maintain distance.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wilderness vs. Civilization

The contrast between Hawkeye's woodcraft and Heyward's book-learned assumptions about Indian cunning is highlighted.

### Colonial Warfare and Imperialism

The chase and gunfire reflect the ongoing conflict between British colonists and French-allied Hurons.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Munro's distrust of 'any servant of the Louis’s' underscores themes of broken faith and loyalty.

## Character check-ins

### Hawkeye

Leads the escape, uses Killdeer to wound a Huron, and comments on Indian cunning and the chase.

### Chingachgook

Directs the canoe, sustains a minor shoulder wound, and gives the Mohican war-whoop.

### Uncas

Paddles in the bow, points out the second war canoe, and shows no fear under fire.

### Major Duncan Heyward

Impatient and eager, takes up a paddle when Hawkeye shoots, and urges speed.

### Colonel Munro

Roused from apathy, suggests making for the rocks to fight, and distrusts French servants.

### Magua

Not directly present but referenced as the leader of the Hurons being pursued.

## Key lines

> If you judge of Indian cunning by the rules you find in books, or by white sagacity, they will lead you astray, if not to your death

Hawkeye warns Heyward that relying on book knowledge or white reasoning about Indian tactics is dangerous.

_Highlights the theme of wilderness vs. civilization and Hawkeye's expertise._

> The knaves love to hear the sounds of their pieces; but the eye is not to be found among the Mingoes that can calculate a true range in a dancing canoe!

Hawkeye mocks the Hurons' inaccurate shooting from moving canoes.

_Shows Hawkeye's confidence and the tactical advantage of the Mohicans' skill._

> Give me my children

Munro pleads for the return of his daughters, Cora and Alice.

_Reflects Munro's paternal desperation and the ongoing rescue mission._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_last_of_the_mohicans_se/chapters/xx
- 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