a blazed pine, in a clearing of the palefaces. My race has gone from the shores of the salt lake, and the hills of the Delawares. But who can say that the serpent of his tribe has forgotten his wisdom? I am alone—”

“No, no,” cried Hawk-eye, who had been gazing with a yearning look at the rigid features of his friend, with something like his own self-command, but whose philosophy could endure no longer. “No, Sagamore, not alone. The gifts of our colors may be different, but God has so placed us as to journey in the same path. I have no kin, and I may also say, like you, no people. He was your son, and a redskin by nature; and it may be that your blood was nearer—but if ever I forget the lad who has so often fought at my side in war, and slept at my side in peace, my He who made us all, whatever may be our color or our gifts, forget me! The boy has left us for a time; but, Sagamore, you are not alone.”

Chingachgook grasped the hand that, in the warmth of feeling, the scout had stretched across the fresh earth, and in that attitude of friendship these two sturdy and intrepid woodsmen bowed their heads together while scalding tears fell to their feet, watering the grave of Uncas like drops of falling rain.

Summary
Both Cora and Uncas have been killed. Cora was stabbed in the heart by Magua before Uncas could reach her. Uncas manages to kill Magua, but Magua in turn stabs Uncas, ensuring that both will die. After the burial of Cora, the Munros and Duncan depart. Chingachgook laments that he is now alone, without a son, and without someone to carry on the legacy of the Mohican tribe. Hawkeye protests that Chingachgook is not alone, that he still has Hawkeye as a friend. Though they have different color skin, the two have been placed by God on the same path for the same journey. Like Chingachgook, Hawkeye is alone, without a family. Hawkeye states that he will never forget Uncas and the many times they fought together and camped together. Chingachgook grasps Hawkeye’s hand in gratitude and friendship. With tears flowing, the two stand over Uncas’s grave.

Analysis of Essential Passages
The quality of friendship appears in different forms throughout The Last of the Mohicans. At times, it is seen as a mere duty; at other times, it has a decidedly utilitarian function. However, highest of all is the friendship of two individuals whose relationship is based not on obligation or politics, but on their shared journey.

The issue of race, and friendship between members of different races, is a prevalent theme in the novel. Through the friendship of Duncan and Uncas, and especially that of Hawkeye and Chingachgook, friendship surpasses differences of color. It is only in the “friendship” of the Delaware and the Huron as described by Magua that differences in races become an obstacle to true friendship.

At its lowest form, friendship is a mere label that is used for mutual protection, without any real comradeship or sacrifice. Such is the “friendship” that the Delaware and the Hurons maintain, according to Magua. They are friends simply because they belong to the same race. In a situation of reverse discrimination, Magua maintains that the friendship exists because they are joined as allies against the white men. It is a friendship born not out of love but out of hate; it is born of the mutual revenge the tribes desire against another race. This “friendship” is transitory, lasting only so long as their mutual enmity against the whites continues. When the threat has been removed, so will be the obligations of “friendship.”

Of a higher level is the friendship that Duncan claims with Uncas. Uncas has saved Duncan’s life, and so there is a sense of duty in the foundation of this friendship. Laying down one’s life for one’s friend is the highest form of sacrifice. Yet still, this friendship is based merely on the fact that there is a debt owed. By saving the life of someone else, that life is in a sense the property of the “savior.” There is not a sense of comradeship, the depth of feeling or commitment inherent in true friendship.

It is this true friendship that is exhibited by Hawkeye and Chingachgook. As Hawkeye states, they are placed by God on the same journey. They are mutual companions on a quest, whatever the nature of the quest may be as they travel through the wilderness. Chingachgook, in his grief, feels alone and deserted, since he is now the lone survivor of the Mohican tribe. Yet Hawkeye reminds him that he is not truly alone, that Hawkeye himself is present at his side. It is through Hawkeye that the legacy of Uncas will be carried. While laying one’s life down for a friend is the highest form of sacrifice, living one’s life in order to maintain the legacy of a life that is gone is the highest form of friendship. It is thus that Hawkeye and Chingachgook demonstrate the purest form of friendship.