The Last of the Mohicans · Chapter
XXXI explained
Uncas performs a war dance and song, assuming chief authority for an expedition against the Hurons.
What happens
Uncas performs a war dance and song, assuming chief authority for an expedition against the Hurons. The Delaware warriors enlist in the dance, and the camp prepares for battle. Hawkeye devises a plan to rescue Cora from the cave where Magua has left her, coordinating with Uncas and Heyward for a coordinated attack.
Themes in this chapter
Colonial Warfare and Imperialism
The chapter depicts the mobilization of Delaware warriors for an expedition against the Hurons, reflecting the broader colonial conflicts between European powers and Native American alliances.
Revenge and Justice
Uncas's war song and the planned attack are driven by the desire to rescue Cora and retaliate against Magua, blending personal vengeance with tribal justice.
Wilderness vs. Civilization
The contrast between the ritualized war preparations of the Delawares and the strategic planning of Hawkeye and Heyward highlights the clash between Native American and European approaches to warfare.
Characters to notice
- Uncas
Leads the war dance, sings his war song, strikes the post with his tomahawk, and assumes chief authority for the expedition.
- Hawkeye
Remains calm during the war preparations, devises the rescue plan, and sends a boy to retrieve his rifle.
- Major Duncan Heyward
Eagerly anticipates the contest, escorts Alice to safety, and participates in planning the rescue of Cora.
- Magua
Reported to be among the Hurons, having left Cora in a cave and leading his warriors like a raging wolf.
- Cora Munro
Is held captive by Magua in a cave; her rescue is the primary objective of the plan.
- Tamenund
Retires to the forest after a touching interview with Uncas, separating reluctantly like a parent from a recovered child.
Key passages
“Just then Uncas struck his tomahawk deep into the post, and raised his voice in a shout, which might be termed his own battle cry. The act announced that he had assumed the chief authority in the intended expedition.”
Uncas drove his tomahawk into the post and shouted, signaling that he was taking command of the war party.
This act formalizes Uncas's leadership in the upcoming battle.
“Give me twenty rifles, and I will turn to the right, along the stream; and, passing by the huts of the beaver, will join the Sagamore and the colonel. You shall then hear the whoop from that quarter; with this wind one may easily send it a mile.”
Hawkeye proposes to take twenty rifles, circle around via the stream and beaver huts, and join Chingachgook and Colonel Munro to create a diversion with a war whoop.
Hawkeye outlines a coordinated plan to rescue Cora by drawing the Hurons into a trap.