Ethnocentric Manifestations in Cooper's Pioneers and the Last of the Mohicans

Abstract

So much on the subject of race in Cooper's Leatherstocking Tales has been stated by scholars that to discuss the matter again probably becomes another recapitulation of an effete theme. I would maintain, however, that the question of whether Cooper considers and treats all his characters equitably in the Tales has not been looked at in depth. If, on the other hand, someone has considered Cooper's treatment of race in the Leatherstocking Tales, it can then be argued that the scholarship has been written by group of people insensitive to the intrinsic feeling of another group of people who might now be offended by Cooper's works. I do not mean to suggest from the start that criticism is subordinate to racism, nor should the statement be taken as an indictment of all critics. Certainly we can agree with W. H. Auden that a scholar is not merely someone whose knowledge is extensive; the knowledge must be of value to others. It is from this premise that one may submit the argument that criticism addresses itself to universal audience. If this be the case, then much of the writing about Cooper neglects or sidesteps the specific feelings and emotions