Last of the Mohicans Family Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

"For myself, I conclude the Bumppos could shoot, for I have a natural turn with a rifle, which must have been handed down from generation to generation, as, our holy commandments tell us, all good and evil gifts are bestowed; though I should be loath to answer for other people in such a matter." (3.9)

This is the most information we are ever given about Hawkeye's family. How does this affect our understanding of his character?

Quote #2

"My tribe is the grandfather of nations, but I am an unmixed man. The blood of chiefs is in my veins, where it must stay forever. The Dutch landed, and gave my people the fire-water; they drank until the heavens and the earth seemed to meet, and they foolishly thought they had found the Great Spirit. Then they parted with their land. Foot by foot, they were driven back from the shores, until I, that am a chief and a Sagamore, have never seen the sun shine but through the trees, and have never visited the graves of my fathers." (3.22)

Chingachgook here tells the story of how his forefathers were gradually dispossessed of their land. He takes pride in being an "unmixed man."

Quote #3

"When the blows scorched the back of the Huron, he would know where to find a woman to feel the smart. The daughter of Munro would draw his water, hoe his corn, and cook his venison. The body of the gray-head would sleep among his cannon, but his heart would lie within reach of the knife of Le Subtil." (11.46)

Magua's interest in Cora stems only from the fact that she is Munro's daughter, not from any sexual or romantic reasons.