Analysis
James Fenimore Cooper's literary achievements cannot be fully appreciated without considering the early nineteenth-century American literary landscape. During this period, American fiction was largely disregarded by European critics, exemplifying a prevailing skepticism epitomized by a British critic's dismissive query, "Who reads an American book?" Cooper's widespread acceptance and success refuted this skepticism, proving that American writers could indeed produce works of equal international significance.
Forging an American Literary Identity
One of the pressing questions for early American writers was whether the United States provided enough literary material specific to its identity, as opposed to continuing the tradition of drawing themes from European sources. Before Cooper, many American writers emulated European styles and themes, particularly those of English literature. However, Cooper diverged from this path by harnessing American historical events, such as the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the westward expansion. Through this, he embodied the "Columbian Ideal," contributing to what can be deemed the American literary declaration of independence. Cooper, alongside Washington Irving, established a new tradition where American literature could stand on its own, proving that a career as a full-time writer was viable in the United States.
Romanticism and the Leatherstocking Tales
In 1850, James Fenimore Cooper wrote a crucial preface for a new edition of his Leatherstocking Tales, clarifying his literary intentions. He described his novels as "romances" rather than realistic fiction, a distinction critical to understanding his style and purpose. Mark Twain's subsequent criticism in "Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences" highlighted the improbabilities and idealized diction attributed to his characters, particularly Natty Bumppo. However, Cooper's self-acknowledged romantic style prioritizes moral and didactic purposes over strict realism.
Natty Bumppo, the protagonist, is not a realistic character but a "beau-ideal," a moral paragon representing humanity's highest virtues. This character's journey parallels the United States' development, with Natty's life journeying through youthful exploration in "The Deerslayer" to mature reflection in "The Prairie." As a "national hero," Natty Bumppo represents the rugged individualism foundational to American identity, synthesizing influences from Christian morality, legal systems, and Native American customs into an ethical code unique to him.
Cooper's Stylistic Influences
Although Cooper was innovative in using American settings and themes, his narrative style was influenced by European literature, particularly the works of Sir Walter Scott. Critics often referred to Cooper as "the American Scott," as he incorporated the grandiose themes of Scott’s historical romances. Additionally, Cooper's characters and plots often echoed those of earlier English and European novels, drawing parallels to icons like Don Quixote.
Popularity and Legacy of the Leatherstocking Tales
The Leatherstocking Tales gained significant popularity by combining English literary styles with American archetypes. Cooper tapped into the public's desire for a national hero, creating Natty Bumppo, America's first recurring fiction character. This character's continuous reappearance, even posthumously, emphasized his symbolic immortality. Cooper's stories, filled with adventure, moral clarity, and didactic elements, resonated with audiences and established a legacy as foundational texts in American literature.
Cooper also delved into the religious undercurrents of American culture, reflecting the foundational role of religion in the colonies and the literary center of the early United States. By grappling with themes like the Christian ideal in "The Deerslayer," Cooper portrayed Natty Bumppo as an embodiment of the American Adam: an inherently good and moral individual.
The Leatherstocking Tales: A Closer Look
The Deerslayer
The Deerslayer (1841) serves as the first chronologically in the Leatherstocking series, introducing a young Natty Bumppo. Set against the backdrop of the 1740s, the novel follows Natty on his first warpath, grappling with the moral implications of taking a life. As a romance, the novel presents a simplified...
(This entire section contains 1391 words.)
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moral universe where characters like Natty, Chingachgook, and Hist embody heroism, contrasting with morally corrupt counterparts such as Hurry Harry and Tom Hutter.
The episodic plot follows themes of pursuit, capture, and escape, culminating in a moral victory where good triumphs over evil, albeit with bittersweet personal outcomes for Natty. The novel emphasizes the superiority of Natty’s ethical system, symbolized through his given name "Hawkeye," which reflects his ability to discern true morality in a complex world.
The Last of the Mohicans
The Last of the Mohicans (1826) is perhaps the most renowned Leatherstocking tale, set during the French and Indian Wars. It features Natty Bumppo and Chingachgook in their prime, exploring themes of interracial collaboration and the inevitable decline of Native American dominion. The novel blends historical fact with romantic fiction, creating a compelling narrative filled with pursuit and rescue missions.
The novel tackles complex themes like miscegenation and racial harmony. Uncas, Chingachgook's son, personifies physical and moral perfection, yet his tragic death underscores the novel’s commentary on the challenges of creating a new, integrated race in America. The relationship between Uncas and Cora, who embodies mixed racial heritage, highlights these tensions and Cooper's exploration of America's melting pot ideal.
The Pathfinder
The Pathfinder (1840) sees a more introspective Natty, referred to now as Pathfinder, exploring personal vulnerability amid the French and Indian War. The narrative revisits familiar elements from earlier tales but with a heightened focus on Natty’s humanity. The plot intertwines a love triangle, testing Natty's virtues against societal norms and individual desires.
Pathfinder’s decision to forgo romantic love in favor of his wilderness calling reinforces his embodiment of the American Dream's less materialistic aspects. The novel enriches Natty’s character, portraying him as a secular saint faced with the challenges of love, companionship, and societal integration.
The Pioneers
The Pioneers (1823) introduces an aged Leatherstocking, confronting the inevitable transition from a hunter-gatherer society to a structured agrarian one. Set in 1793-1794, the novel is both a reflection of American progress and a critique of its growing pains. The narrative juxtaposes Leatherstocking’s individual freedom against the emerging communal legal frameworks represented by Judge Marmaduke Temple.
The novel’s seasonal structure underscores themes of change and displacement. As civilization encroaches, Leatherstocking’s old ways become obsolete, prompting his retreat into the wilderness. His relationship with Chingachgook, reduced to John Mohegan, symbolizes the transformative yet destructive power of civilization.
The Prairie
The Prairie (1827) sees Natty Bumppo, now the trapper in his twilight years, navigating the Great Plains frontier. The narrative echoes the familiar tropes of good versus evil, while addressing themes of justice and the end of pure individualism. Despite its derivative elements, the novel offers poignant insights into Natty’s final days and his steadfast commitment to his moral code.
Natty’s encounter with Ishmael Bush’s family and the Sioux further explores law and morality on the frontier. The narrative critiques arbitrary power and underscores the necessity of humility and service over dominance. Natty’s legacy endures through his teachings, influencing future generations while he peacefully embraces his passing amid the Pawnee, a tribe he respects and trusts.
Cooper as Historian and Visionary
Cooper's works encompass a comprehensive sweep of American history, from mythical beginnings in "Mercedes of Castile" to contemporary reflections in the Littlepage and Miles Wallingford novels. While Cooper often used historical backdrops, his narratives frequently engaged with contemporary intellectual and societal developments, shaping a distinct vision of America's potential. This vision is marked by a continuous interplay between mythic elements and historical realities, reflecting Cooper's nuanced understanding of America's evolving identity.
Modern criticism remains divided on Cooper's legacy, with some viewing his works as mythic explorations while others emphasize their social and historical dimensions. D.H. Lawrence praised Cooper's exploration of the deep friendship between Natty Bumppo and Chingachgook, seeing it as a foundational American myth. Conversely, other critics have focused on Cooper's intent to contribute to a coherent American society rather than to escape it.
Contributions to American Mythos
Cooper's narratives often reflect a traditional mythic pattern, embodying a unified flow disrupted by disorder, only to be reconstituted by Providence into a new order. This worldview aligns with Enlightenment ideals and Christian themes, as seen in his treatment of frontier settlements and social evolution. Cooper's vision extends to a national scale, envisioning the United States as progressing through revolutionary upheaval towards a mature society.
In "The American Democrat," Cooper echoes themes of fallen humanity striving for a higher life, a motif that permeates his novels. His characters often undergo transformative journeys, reflecting the broader societal shift towards an idealized democratic republic. These patterns underscore Cooper's enduring faith in America's potential for greatness, rooted in a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and moral integrity.
