A story taken place in the middle of the French and Indian war, The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper, includes love, action, tragedy, and even a bit of humor. Containing what was thought of as controversary for the time the book was written, this book contains interracial love, religion, racisim, power, etc. And so, in a scene of strife and bloodshed this story begins. Yet we will focus on one character, Cora Munro. Daughter of Colonel Munro, this raven-haired heroine was a rather distinct character to be written of in her time. .
Right in the beginning her power and importance is shown, as she and her sister Alice are granted Major Duncan Heyward, * , as a companion to lead them in seeing their father upon their request. In this intial chapter Cora is introduced, yet not named, and described as having a distinct appearance as the of the female who accomponied her (her sister Alice). .
As the trip begins, an Indian appears out of the blue, and eventually serves as their guide. Cora feels pity, admiration, and horror all at the same time for this mysterious Indian. Yet it all seems as an attraction, something controversial and greatly looked down upon for her high position, while at the same time the author makes it seem as though it was something inevitable because of Cora's own disntict complextion. A feeling caused as perhaps the result of her father's own interracial relatinship. .
This fascination quickly fades though, as this Indian, Magua, is classified as the villan of the novel. A new interest spurs in Cora for Uncas, one of the last two of the Mohicans. Uncas having been one of three members who also join this party, seems to return Cora's newfound feelings for him. With this, we see Cora's sympathy and interest in Indians, adding to the contreversy of this novel, for this being uncommon in her time, a "white" women to find any interest for anything other than her own race.
