The Last Of The Mohicans Analysis

Prompt 4: Redefined Gender Roles and Empowerment of Women in the American Frontier In James Cooper’s The Last of the Mohicans, Cora Munro is marginalized and forced to endure the violence that ensues from masculine struggles, while in Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, Katrina Von Tassel is reduced to being a mere commodity and means for Ichabond Crane to obtain success and wealth. Cora Munro and Katrina Von Tassel however, redefine their own roles in the American frontier by challenging conventional gender roles and expectations. Cora is characterized as being courageous in the face of danger, independent, and intelligent, which is a stark contrast with her sister, Alice, who is described as having a dependency that is akin

When Magua looks at Cora she is described as having a “firm, commanding, and yet lovely form,” (300) with the words “commanding” and “firm” evoking an image of leadership and strength. The word “lovely” places emphasis on Cora’s femininity and when paired with the words “commanding” and “firm,” it takes on a quality of strength rather than weakness. Another instance in which Cora is given masculine likeness is when her father speaks of her arrival at Edward saying that, “It is the spirit of my noble minded Cora that leads them, […] and I will not balk it. Would to God that he who holds the honour of our royal master in his guardianship, would show but half her firmness.” (61) Munro gives Cora the qualities of a solider through describing her “noble” nature, “firmness” and ability to lead, which are traits expected of men. Though seemingly swept into the struggle and conflict between the men when she is kidnapped by Magua, Cora remains calm, which reveals her fortitude of mind. Cora’s determined and unwavering nature is reflected in her eyes “…whose steady look still read the proceedings of their enemies.” (108) Intelligence and resourcefulness are other traits that distinguish Cora, as seen when she was the only one to remember Hawkeye’s advice to leave a trail of twigs should she be captured. Though Cora is given the authoritative and imposing presence of a man,

Because Katrina is described as being a difficult person to please, both Ichabond and Brom go to great lengths to win her heart, especially because Katrina holds the power of choice. Ichabond describes her as being “…beset with a labyrinth of whims and caprices, which were for ever presenting new difficulties and impediments.” (303) The use of the word “labyrinth” gives Katrina an image of mystery and shows that her character is more complex than initially appearing to be. Through her “whims and caprices” Katrina holds control over Ichabond and over her father who “loved his daughter better than even his pipe, and like a reasonable man, […] let her have her way in everything.” (304) Patriarchal rule is overturned by Katrina who shatters gender roles by exerting control over the men in her life. Unlike other women in the nineteenth century, Katrina enjoys freedom and