Hawkeye's Characterization
In the movie “The Last of the Mohicans” the character Nathaniel Poe is the Romantic hero. He displays three characteristics to prove this statement: his love of nature, his great sense of honor, and his adventures for a higher truth. These three characteristics of Nathaniel are shown throughout the movie.
He shows his unique ability as an outdoorsman in the beginning of the movie. Hawkeye and his Native American friends hunt and kill a deer in the forest. The deer is clearly faster and has the advantage in the fight, but Hawkeye conquers it with ease. Shortly after they kill the deer his friends say a prayer and thank the deer for the challenge. They do this because in the Native American’s views every animal is equal to them, so they honor those who put a good fight. They take a moment to honor the animal’s fortitude and agility. This shows that Hawkeye is honoring a higher truth instead of going with society’s rules.
Hawkeye displays his honor throughout the movie many times. When the American’s want to leave the fort, Nathaniel goes with them because they are his friends. They proceed to arrest him for doing so. When the Huron Indians come to attack the American’s, Hawkeye protects his new love Cora. However, he does not display his affection for her because he knows that Duncan loves her too. Hawkeye has respect and honor for Duncan because he does not do this. Towards the end of the movie Duncan puts his life away for Cora and Hawkeye. The Hurons put him in the fire alive; Hawkeye shoots him to put him out of his pain. This displays Hawkeye’s honor once again. He also knows that Duncan would do the same for him.
After a battle Hawkeye leads the Americans out of the area. He saves their lives with his knowledge of the forest and other Indian tribes. Hawkeye’s unique ability to survive in the forest with the Indians is because he is a white man that was raised by Chingachgook. He was raised as an Indian and has a deep love for nature.
In conclusion, Hawkeye is a perfect candidate for an American Romantic. He has a love of nature, a great sense of honor, and is seeking a higher truth in the world. Hawkeye displays of these traits throughout the movie. All of his adventures and quests come from his deep desire...