While reading Cooper’s The Pioneers, I was particularly interested in the character of Indian John.  After our class discussion of which characters were considered more comical or serious, I was interested in further examining Indian John’s character, and how he represents various aspects of the settler’s conquest of the land.  Indian John not only represents the native culture of this land, but his religious conversion can be seen as a reflection of the true level of the settler’s physical and ideological pollution.

For instance, Indian John is portrayed in a reverent way by the author. Unlike many other tales of this time, I find it fascinating that a native of the land wasn’t shown as a savage or primitive animal-like creature. Instead, Cooper describes Indian John as a calm, reflective character.  While most other stories focused on the friction between settlers and native, John almost seems to be considered an equal to other characters: For instance, on page 84, John is even consulted for advice concerning Oliver.  Cooper seems to use Indian John’s character as a rebuttal to all negative portrayals of his people, and to send the message that the settlers and natives were not complete enemies. In a way, this is what makes the settler’s overtaking of the land even more painful: the natives did nothing wrong to provoke such consequences.

I also found it interesting that while Cooper describes Indian John’s native features, such as his dress and demeanor, he also emphasizes the fact that he was religiously converted by the settlers. Indian John’s conversion symbolizes yet another invasion by the settlers: as a result of his conversion, he is seen as more “white.” This shows that the settlers have invaded the land, but have polluted the rich culture and background of it.  A forest is not as beautiful when every tree looks the same, and certainly not when those that stand out have been destroyed.

Although I have not yet reached this part of this novel, I believe that Indian John’s eventual death symbolizes the death of the land’s mystery and wonder. Cooper seeking to raise reader awareness of the land’s magic, since Indian John is a reflection of the land. When he dies, his death symbolizes the fall of the majestic wonder of the land: settlers have manipulated and extorted it to the point of no return.