The Last of the Mohicans
by James Fenimore Cooper
The Last of the Mohicans is a novel that takes place during the French and Indian War following the adventures of Nathaniel "Natty" Bumppo and his two Mohican companions as they attempt to rescue the daughters of a British commander.
Source: Cooper, J. F. (1826). The Last of the Mohicans. H.C. Carey and I. Lea
- Author's Introduction
- The Author’s introduction is presented to the reader, giving some some insight into the interaction between native tribes and white settlers.
- Chapter 1
- The French and Indian war rages on as the author describes the many dangers of the land surrounding the Fort William Henry.
- Chapter 2
- Magua agrees to lead Alice, Cora, and Major Heyward to Fort William Henry by means of a secret path. The group encounters an interesting stranger along the way.
- Chapter 3
- Hawkeye, the white hunter, and Chingachgook, a mohican, discuss current events while Uncas trails Maqua tribesmen. The hear a party is approaching on horseback.
- Chapter 4
- Heyward and Hawkeye’s groups encounter each other. Hawkeye becomes suspicious of Magua. Attempts to capture the traitorous Huron are unsuccessful.
- Chapter 5
- Maqua escapes capture. Hawkeye guides the group to safety rather than risk an encounter with enemy tribes.
- Chapter 6
- The group rest in the Mohican hideout. As they sleep a strange cry is heard. Hawkeye goes out to investigate.
- Chapter 7
- Nearby wolves make Hawkeye fearful that the enemy is close. The group leaves the hideout seeking refuge elsewhere.
- Chapter 8
- An Iroquois attack wounds Gamut and Heyward. Cora devises a plan.
- Chapter 9
- Heyward, Cora, Alice, and Gamut attempt to hide from the enemy, but are eventually discovered by Magua and taken prisoner.
- Chapter 10
- The prisoners are questioned and moved to a tactical position near the shore. Cora attempts to assist Hawkeye and his companions, but is caught and reprimanded.
- Chapter 11
- Heyward makes a plea for the women’s release. Magua’s true intentions become more apparent. Hawkeye arrives just in time.
- Chapter 12
- Hawkeye and the Mohicans defeat the Hurons and rescue the captured members of the group. Magua escapes as the group continues to move towards the safety of the fort.
- Chapter 13
- The group rests at the site of an old battle. Hawkeye reveals a fact about Uncas and Chingachgook. The group continues in the direction of the fort.
- Chapter 14
- A battle between the English and French puts the group in harms way as they move towards the fort. Munro and his daughters are reunited.
- Chapter 15
- The siege of Fort William Henry rages on. Hawkeye has been captured by the French. A meeting with Munro is requested by the French leader, Montcalm.
- Chapter 16
- As Heyward relays Montcalm’s message, Munro accuses Heyward of prejudice and reveals a secret about his daughter’s heritage. A deal is struck between Montcalm and Munro.
- Chapter 17
- The English leave the fort only to encounter a ruthless attack by the Indians. In the chaos that follows, Maqua takes another hostage.
- Chapter 18
- A search commences for the missing women. Hawkeye warns Heyward not to be too hasty in his actions.
- Chapter 19
- The search party camp at the ruing of the fort. Chingachgook and Uncas encounter hostiles. A plan is devised to search for the missing women.
- Chapter 20
- A detour attracts the attention of some Huron Indians. Quick thinking by Hawkeye allows the group to evade the enemy.
- Chapter 21
- The group continues tracking Magua. Disaster is narrowly averted when Gamut is discovered in the forest.
- Chapter 22
- Gamut tells Hawkeye the women have been taken to separate locations. Gamut and Heyward intend to get a message to the women.
- Chapter 23
- Heyward infiltrates the Huron camp. A captured Uncas escapes with help from Heyward.
- Chapter 24
- Heyward continues to search for Alice. Magua's arrival in camp does no bode well for Uncas.
- Chapter 25
- A disguised Hawkeye makes himself known to Heyward. Alice’s location is discovered. Alice and Heyward depart camp as Hawkeye stays to assist Uncas.
- Chapter 26
- A change of disguises allows Uncas to escape a dire fate. Hawkeye trusts that the Huron’:s superstitions will save Gamut.
- Chapter 27
- The Hurons discover Uncas has escaped. Magua and the dead woman are discovered in the cave. Magua persuades the Hurons to follow his lead once more.
- Chapter 28
- Magua visits the Delaware in search of Cora. Magua attempts to turn the Delaware against Hawkeye.
- Chapter 29
- Heyward attempts to protect Hawkeye, leading to a contest of marksmanship. Cora makes a plea to Tamenund.
- Chapter 30
- Uncas’ mistaken identity saves all but one prisoner from Magua’s grasp. The group vows to pursue Magua.
- Chapter 31
- Uncas prepares the Delaware for battle. Gamut arrives with news of Cora’s location. Hawkeye has a plan.
- Chapter 32
- Hawkeye, Uncas, and the Delaware warriors battle the Hurons. Cora is located, but all does not go as planned. Magua attempts to escape once more.
- Chapter 33
- Munro and Chingachgook mourn their losses. Tamenund laments the end of the Mohican bloodline.
- Year Published: 1826
- Language: English
- Country of Origin: United States of America
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Readability:
- Flesch–Kincaid Level: 11.0
- Word Count: 154,291
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Keywords: 19th century literature, adventure, american literature