One of my favorite characters in “The Pioneers,” is Natty Bumppo. Referred to as the Leatherstocking, he carries one of the most important roles in this novel. Natty lives on the literal edge of society where he battles between being a frontiersman in conflict with civilization and the law. It is clear that he trusts no one, cares little about what other think of him and carries about his business, living the life of a woodsman. What intrigued me about his character was his understanding heart, portrayed throughout the novel. We are introduced to this elderly, Natty Bumppo, who struggles to “defend his way of life as the open frontier becomes private property.” He fights repeatedly, for what he believes in, his freedom. I love that Cooper characterized Natty as being both Native American and a frontiersman; he was able to have qualities of both the white world and the land of savages.
Natty seems to be the strongest in the novel. He not only saves two lives, but he also helps Elizabeth escape from the fire. He is patient, intelligent, a great hunter and honest. Considering everything that he has been through, Natty never gives up. Instead, in the end we see him adventure out into the wilderness, exploring the Great Lakes. The struggles he experienced definitely contributed to his personality because even though he hunts and kills by trade, Natty does it with abnegation. In chapter XXXIV (35) Natty’s bravery and constraint is tested and I believe he handled himself better than any other man would: “Natty followed the constables to this spot, bowing his head with submission to a power that he was unable to oppose, and surrounded by the crowd that formed a circle about his person, exhibiting in their countenances strong curiosity… the Leatherstocking quietly seated himself on the ground and suffered his limbs to be laid in the openings without even a murmur…” (377). This shows that Natty is a proud man, who accepts his punishment and carries his heritage on his back with pride. Even at the end in chapter 41, Natty returns to jail, he eventually gets out, paying his duties. Overall, I was fascinated with his character. I believe Cooper did a wonderful and powerful job making him realistic of showing the signs of his old age and loneliness.
Natty seems to be the strongest in the novel. He not only saves two lives, but he also helps Elizabeth escape from the fire. He is patient, intelligent, a great hunter and honest. Considering everything that he has been through, Natty never gives up. Instead, in the end we see him adventure out into the wilderness, exploring the Great Lakes. The struggles he experienced definitely contributed to his personality because even though he hunts and kills by trade, Natty does it with abnegation. In chapter XXXIV (35) Natty’s bravery and constraint is tested and I believe he handled himself better than any other man would: “Natty followed the constables to this spot, bowing his head with submission to a power that he was unable to oppose, and surrounded by the crowd that formed a circle about his person, exhibiting in their countenances strong curiosity… the Leatherstocking quietly seated himself on the ground and suffered his limbs to be laid in the openings without even a murmur…” (377). This shows that Natty is a proud man, who accepts his punishment and carries his heritage on his back with pride. Even at the end in chapter 41, Natty returns to jail, he eventually gets out, paying his duties. Overall, I was fascinated with his character. I believe Cooper did a wonderful and powerful job making him realistic of showing the signs of his old age and loneliness.
Niesha,
ReplyDeleteThis is a good post, however, you posted it after the due date of 7pm. Please make sure you post on time next week so you get credit for it.
It's especially interesting that you focus on Natty's old age and loneliness. Why do you think Cooper started his 5-book series of Leatherstocking tales with the elderly Natty at the end of his life, rather than starting with this heroic figure in his prime? Does it suggest that American individualism and heroism is always already nostalgic?
All best,
Kelly