Cooper’s Indians: A Second Look At The Heroes And Villains In The Last Of The Mohicans
Cooper’s Indians: A Second Look At The Heroes And Villains In The Last Of The Mohicans

Summary/Abstract: The conventional interpretations of Uncas and Magua, the two leading Native American characters in The Last of the Mohicans, portray Uncas as the hero, “the noble savage,” and Magua as the cruel villain. This paper takes a second look at the two men using an anthropological approach based on contemporary studies of Native American culture. The conclusion here is that Magua, not Uncas is a more heroic figure. Certainly contemporary Native Americans would view Magua as a hero who struggles to defend his peoples and their ancient customs whereas Uncas would be seen as an opportunistic collaborator with the alien European invaders.

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