The Last of the Mohicans, written by James Fenimore Cooper, was published during the period of the first debates over "Indian removal," in which the government was deciding whether or do not remove Native Americans from their land and use it for US expansion. This entire debate proves that Native Americans did not have equal rights during this era. The novel seems to give some insight into how Cooper feels about the whole affair. Cooper believes that anyone of any race is human, but all races are not the same. The theme of racial inequality between Native Americans and white settlers in The Last of the Mohicans is discussed through the actions and dialogue of Hawkeye, Magua, and Colonel Munro. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The main protagonist of the novel, Hawkeye, is a privileged character to show this particular stance on racial interactions. Hawkeye is friends with two Mohicans, Chingachgook and Uncas, to whom he feels closer than any other person in his life. Yet, he constantly throughout the book reminds them and the other characters that he is “…real white.” Another relevant point is after the funeral at the end of the book. Colonel Munro wants to thank the girls who helped at the funeral by telling them that their kindness will be remembered when all are united in heaven by God. Hawkeye scoffs at this idea and replies, "to tell them this would be to tell them that the snow doesn't come in winter...". These two situations make it clear that Hawkeye believes that races are not equal, especially when he emphasizes that he is white, as if he has some sort of dominion over others. Furthermore, since the races are not equal on Earth, in Hawkeye's belief they will not even share a single paradise. Hawkeye is written in a way that shows Cooper doesn't care about interracial friendships, yet when the topic of unity or desegregation between the races in heaven comes up, he considers it a ridiculous idea that shouldn't be suggested. Cooper also promotes "whiteness" as a great honor, through Hawkeye's pride. The main antagonist, Magua, thinks similarly but tends to focus on each race's positions and the weaknesses they bring. Magua begins by saying, “'Some are blacker than the slothful bear; These He (the Great Spirit) said would be slaves. And he commanded them to work forever...'” This line represents enslaved Africans, who are used as mere labor tools for whatever project they are given. During this same scene, he continues with: “'Some he made with faces paler than the ermine of the forests and ordained them to be traders... and with the appetite to devour the earth... God has given them enough, and yet he wants everything,'” which describes the white settlers. Gua says they were born to trade and travel but have greedy personalities that made them conquerors. Finally, he concludes by talking about his own race: “'... Made with brighter skins and more red from the sun over there he fashioned after his mind. He gave them this island… If they fought… it was to prove that they were men. They were brave… they were happy.'” Native Americans were created to be the people chosen in Magua's story and are the most satisfied with their livelihood. Although Magua is written to be a pro-red character, Cooper uses this to establish the separate racial roles that he considers to be true in the unequal roles of workers, traders and "warriors". Another way Cooper demonstrates, 2019.