The Pathfinder, the fourth novel in James Fenimore Cooper’s Leatherstocking series, offers a compelling exploration of frontier life through the lens of its protagonist, Natty Bumppo. Although it resurrects Natty from the death depicted in The Prairie, the novel serves as a romantic interlude where the rugged frontiersman falls in love. Cooper's narrative is a rich tapestry of romance, adventure, and deep philosophical questions about society, nature, and divine providence.

The Romantic Tradition

Cooper is firmly entrenched in the romance tradition, a style that infuses storytelling with elements of imagination and idealism rather than strict adherence to realism. This approach aligns him with legendary tales from Greek mythology, the chivalric adventures of Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur, and the works of later American authors like Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville. Cooper’s talent lies in his ability to weave captivating stories, even when using simple plotlines, by incorporating ambushes, chases, daring escapes, and intense emotional relationships.

Nature and Setting

Set against the backdrop of the pristine landscapes around the Oswego River in upstate New York, the novel vividly portrays the grandeur of unspoiled nature. Cooper's intimate knowledge of the area, gained during his time as a midshipman, enriches his descriptions, making the natural world a character in its own right. This love of nature mirrors the broader Romantic movement, where nature is depicted as God's greatest creation and a medium through which humans can connect with the divine. In this context, Natty Bumppo's refrain of feeling God's presence in the forest is emblematic of Romantic literature, resonating with the works of poets like John Keats and William Wordsworth.

Social and Religious Themes

Beneath the surface of adventure and romance, Cooper tackles significant social and religious issues. A recurring theme in his work is the necessity of living according to one's "gifts" or talents. While Cooper admired the American democratic ideal, he held a conservative view that society should be structured based on individual abilities rather than hereditary class. This belief is intricately explored in The Pathfinder through the romantic entanglements of Mabel Dunham, Natty, Lieutenant Muir, Jasper Western, and Sergeant Dunham.

The narrative suggests a complex interplay between class and talent, where "gentlemen" like Muir can be morally corrupt while "commoners" like Pathfinder embody honesty and heroism. Despite his virtues, Pathfinder loses Mabel to the more educated Jasper, illustrating Cooper's view that true progress is led by those who integrate back into civilization, like Jasper and Mabel, rather than those who remain in the wilderness.

The American Dream and Its Disillusionment

The Pathfinder also reflects Cooper's evolving perspective on the American Dream. Initially, it presents an idealized vision of an egalitarian world where different races coexist peacefully in harmony with nature. However, the narrative ultimately portrays this dream as unachievable, thwarted by human greed, bigotry, and ignorance. The story's conclusion reflects Cooper's resignation to the idea that individuals like Jasper, who embrace progress and civilization, are the ones shaping America's future, while Pathfinder retreats to his vanishing wilderness.

Cooper and Romanticism Versus Realism

During the post-Civil War era, the realism movement began to overshadow Romanticism, with writers like Mark Twain critiquing Cooper's Leatherstocking tales for their perceived improbabilities. Twain's essay "Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offenses" illustrates this shift, failing to recognize that Cooper's works are romances, not realistic novels. Twain's criticism overlooks the genre's conventions, wherein coincidences and divine providence serve as narrative devices to underscore moral and religious themes.

Religious Overtones and Mythical Parallels

Central to the novel is the theme of divine providence, intricately tied to Natty Bumppo's character. Cooper imbues Natty with a natural piety,...