# XXVIII explained — The Last of the Mohicans

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

## What happens

Magua reveals to the Delawares that he has captured La Longue Carabine (Hawkeye), a notorious enemy of the French. The Delaware council deliberates on how to handle this prisoner, while Magua skillfully manipulates them with gifts and flattery, exploiting their recent defection from the French alliance to secure their cooperation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Magua exploits the Delawares' recent defection from the French, accusing them of harboring enemies and questioning their loyalty.

### Colonial Warfare and Imperialism

The chapter depicts the political maneuvering between Native tribes and European powers during the French and Indian War.

### Revenge and Justice

Magua's capture of Hawkeye is framed as an act of vengeance against a notorious enemy of the French and their allies.

## Character check-ins

### Magua

Arrives at the Delaware encampment, manipulates the chiefs with gifts and political insinuations, and reveals the capture of Hawkeye.

### Hawkeye

Referred to as La Longue Carabine; his capture is disclosed by Magua, causing consternation among the Delawares.

### Tamenund

Mentioned as the aged warrior whose privilege it is to speak in the council, though he remains silent initially.

### Chingachgook

Implied as part of the Delaware tribe; the chapter focuses on the Delaware camp and its leaders.

### Uncas

Implied as a member of the Delaware tribe; the chapter centers on the Delaware response to Magua's news.

## Key lines

> A Huron never lies!

Magua asserts his credibility by invoking the stereotype of Huron honesty.

_Magua uses this declaration to reinforce his authority and the truth of his claim about capturing Hawkeye._

> La Longue Carabine!

The name 'The Long Rifle' is revealed as Hawkeye's alias among the French-allied tribes.

_The mention of this name causes shock among the Delawares, highlighting Hawkeye's fearsome reputation._

> My brother is a wise chief. He is welcome.

The Delaware chief Hard Heart formally accepts Magua's gifts and presence.

_Magua's strategic gift-giving successfully ingratiates him with the Delaware leaders._

## Links

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