# Chapter XXIX explained — The Last of the Mohicans

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

## What happens

Cora pleads with the aged Delaware patriarch Tamenund for mercy, recounting a past kindness shown by a white chief to one of his people. Magua manipulates the situation, but Hawkeye demonstrates his marksmanship, and Tamenund ultimately orders the strangers to be fed and Magua to depart with his own.

## Themes in this chapter

### Racial Prejudice and Miscegenation

Tamenund's speech about the pale faces' disdain for those not of 'the color of snow' highlights racial prejudice, while Cora's mixed heritage and her plea for Alice underscore the theme.

### Justice and Revenge

Tamenund's judgment balances justice with mercy, while Magua seeks revenge through manipulation and deceit.

## Character check-ins

### Cora Munro

Kneels before Tamenund, pleading for mercy and reminding him of a past favor to his kin.

### Magua

Manipulates the Delawares, demands Cora, and prepares to execute his purpose after Tamenund's judgment.

### Hawkeye

Demonstrates his marksmanship by shattering the earthen vessel, and threatens Magua while restrained by his 'gifts'.

### Major Duncan Heyward

Participates in the shooting contest, is bound by the Delawares, and is engrossed with protecting Alice.

### Tamenund

The aged Delaware patriarch who hears Cora's plea, delivers judgment, and orders the strangers fed and Magua to depart.

### Alice Munro

Raised from the arms of a warrior by Magua, nearly insensible and precious to Heyward.

## Key lines

> My brother has said that a snake crept into my camp... which is he?

The chief asks Magua to identify the spy among them.

_Magua is challenged to point out the intruder, setting up the confrontation._

> The dogs and crows of their tribes... would bark and caw before they would take a woman to their wigwams whose blood was not of the color of snow.

Tamenund criticizes the white people's racial prejudice, saying they would reject a woman of mixed race.

_Highlights the theme of racial prejudice and Cora's mixed heritage._

> Justice is the law of the great Manitou. My children, give the stranger food. Then, Huron, take thine own and depart.

Tamenund decrees that the captives be fed and then Magua may leave with his own people.

_Tamenund's judgment shows a blend of mercy and adherence to tribal law._

## Links

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