The Last of the Mohicans · Chapter
XXVII explained
Magua consolidates his political power among the Hurons by blending cunning rhetoric with warlike appeals, securing unanimous support for his leadership.
What happens
Magua consolidates his political power among the Hurons by blending cunning rhetoric with warlike appeals, securing unanimous support for his leadership. He dispatches runners and spies, then retires to his lodge to brood over his plans. Meanwhile, the Hurons discover David's substitution for Uncas in the prison lodge, raising a general alarm. The tribe gathers in confusion, and the council summons Magua, who is absent. The conjurer is brought in, and after hearing his account, ten chosen chiefs proceed to investigate the cavern.
Themes in this chapter
Revenge and Justice
Magua manipulates the Hurons' desire for revenge against their enemies, framing it as a matter of honor and necessity.
Loyalty and Betrayal
David's self-sacrifice to cover Uncas's escape exemplifies loyalty, while Magua's political cunning involves betraying the trust of his own people for personal gain.
Characters to notice
- Magua
Orchestrates political maneuvering among the Hurons, regaining favor and assuming despotic leadership; later broods alone in his lodge.
- David Gamut
Discovered by Hurons in Uncas's prison lodge, his substitution is exposed; he prepares for death by singing a funeral anthem.
- Uncas
The prisoner whose escape is covered by David; his absence is discovered when the Hurons find David in his place.
- Hawkeye
Foresees the accidental discovery of David's disguise; his plan enables the fugitives' retreat.
- Huron Warrior
Among the warriors who discover David's substitution and raise the alarm; later part of the council and the investigative party.
Key passages
“this ostensible sacrifice to general considerations, Magua never lost sight of his individual motives.”
Although Magua appeared to act for the common good, he was always pursuing his own personal goals.
Highlights Magua's duplicity and self-interest.
“He painted the quality as forming the great point of difference between the beaver and other brutes; between the brutes and men; and, finally, between the Hurons, in particular, and the rest of the human race.”
He described wisdom as the key trait that separates beavers from other animals, animals from humans, and especially the Hurons from all other peoples.
Magua's flattery and rhetorical strategy to win over his audience.
“All perceived that more was meant than was uttered, and each one believed that the hidden meaning was precisely such as his own faculties enabled him to understand, or his own wishes led him to anticipate.”
Everyone sensed there was a deeper meaning to his words, and each interpreted that meaning according to their own desires and understanding.
Describes Magua's skill in ambiguous oratory.
“A native warrior fights as he sleeps, without the protection of anything defensive.”
A Native warrior goes into battle with no defensive armor, just as he sleeps without cover.
Contrasts Native and European styles of warfare.