By James Fenimore Cooper

Discussion Prompt by Gregory Thornquist

Almost 140 years before Stan Lee created his comic hero avenger wearing a purple costume readers were introduced to another warrior also with a deadeye shot named Hawkeye. In James Fenimore Cooper’s novel Last of the Mohicans we are brought along side a makeshift tribe of travelers that embark on an epic journey. In this historical fiction the reader is transported to the British American frontier of 1757. After more than 100 years of exploration and settlement of the “New World” France and Great Britain collide in a multi continental war over land. In the Americas this war is mainly over the Ohio River Valley and the great resources it possesses. As these two great European nations are playing King of the Hill so are the tribes of the Canadas to the colonies. No matter what the skin color of a man or woman one can always find the blood of Cain unfused within the veins of every tribe. Although a considerable portion of the novel is unveiled to us with the feeling of a naturalist peacefully walking through this beautiful country the plot is juxtaposed with tomahawks gliding into flesh, smoldering ammunition striking its human targets, and countless knives gathering their trophies from the heads of victims. There is definitely no lack of savagery amongst these people of a savage time. As any accomplished epic story should have, there are heroes and villains, damsels in distress, and wise old chiefs, but one character awkwardly stood out in the story like a single sunflower in a garden shining amongst a bed of weeds. The vocally praising, non rifle holding, fighter for goodwill to all, David, is definitely a Tom Bombadil of this story. And although neither characters could be found in a movie both produce a since of moral compass for those traveling along his way. This story of fellowship amongst a unique group of companions is a reminder to us today that although different in appearance, creed, and social stature we all bleed the same color and the only way to dilute the Cain within our own veins is through the pursuit of living a virtuous life.