One of Hawkeye's most adamant claims is that he is "a man without a cross." Why does being "pure-blooded" hold such significance for him? Investigate the historical context of racial anxiety in early America and explore why "miscegenation" was perceived as a significant threat.

Both Uncas and Major Heyward are solitary figures who develop romantic feelings for the Munro sisters. What similarities do they share? In what ways do they differ? Examine the traits of both men as revealed through their interactions with the different sisters they love.

Reflect on the character of David Gamut, the itinerant singing master. What archetype of early American culture does he represent? Compare his character to Washington Irving's hero, Ichabod Crane. How does Cooper's depiction of Gamut serve as a reinterpretation of Crane? What does this reinterpretation accomplish?

The Last of the Mohicans is frequently viewed as a homage to the vanishing cultures of Native Americans. Investigate the history of Indian clearances in the eighteenth century. How accurate is Cooper's portrayal from a historical perspective?

Cooper is regarded as the first American author, and The Last of the Mohicans is often considered the first truly American novel. What elements make it distinctly American?