In the novel The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper, the author enlightens the reader on the history of a war in America and the "savages" who fought within it introducing a cast of colorful characters and their journey through the bloody forest. One of these characters is called David Gamut, known for his forgetfulness in the eyes of the public. Many argue that David could be eliminated from the story and nothing of note would be lost, however, I argue that his role is necessary, as it helps to emphasize the themes of race and religion throughout the story. Not only can he be considered a hero if the reader perceives him as such, but he also serves as a foil to the “man without a cross” Hawkeye. Of course, if David had truly been an unimportant presence, Cooper wouldn't have included him at all. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay First, Cooper does not focus on one character, as the story is told in the third person by alternating between many characters. Therefore, it is possible to determine more heroes, David Gamut is crucial. The question: “who is the hero?” and its relationship to the idea of ​​gender was discussed by Professor Scott Michealsen during his lectures. He talked about a man named Northrop Frye who established the four basic genres of literature: comedy, romance, tragedy, and satire. By defining the genre, the reader can identify who the hero might be. Bigger characters like Heyward or Hawkeye can turn the genre into a romance or satire, which brings different points of view to the core of the story. While not as popular, the fact that David is perceived as a hero offers the genre as tragedy, which others may agree fits the Mohicans perfectly. What makes him the perfect candidate for this genre is his role as a true outsider with nothing to gain or lose. It also doesn't have a strong bias towards either color. He had no intention of taking part in such a deadly adventure, as he only joined Heyward's party at Fort William Henry because he was lost. This unfortunate choice thrust him into the world of race warfare, and his new experiences and growth are shared with the audience. During his journey, David is initially useless and a coward, refusing to carry a weapon. Instead, he tries to restore order by calming his restless companions. Unfortunately, his actions also bring disorder. Her loyalty in following her recaptured sisters after the massacre at Fort William Henry and her newfound courage in walking among the fearsome enemy allowed Hawkeye's rescue party to take away the strength Magua had over them. He made a heroic sacrifice by taking the place of the captured Uncas in the boy's escape, but his carelessness gets him captured. As a result, both sides prepare for what will become their final battle. A final battle in which David “trades his pipe for a sling” and physically participates in the destruction of the tribes. Surprisingly, David has similarities with the natives in a way not comparable to anyone else. The natives communicate through the echoing woods with high-pitched screams and thundering howls that indicate success in battle or a retreat. David's songs communicate the words of his heart to those who want to hear them, whether they respect him or not. His voice guides him through the tragedy that unfolds before him, and after the disorder reform is presented in the form of a funeral in which his final contributions to the book represent mourning. The Delaware girls sing their song with pain andsympathy, native sounds were no longer associated with war or violence. 'Even David was not reluctant to lend his ear to the tones of such sweet voices... his look announced that his soul was captivated.' He in turn sang his Christian sounds to mourn the fallen. 'Busy in pouring out the pious sentiments of his spirit... the Delaware girls listened as those who knew the meaning of the strange words... the mingled emotions of sorrow, hope and resignation...' David's notes are finally understood correctly from the other color. These songs were able to touch the hearts of both parties who had lost the last of their names in their mourning. Another reason for David Gamut's existence is that his determined character serves as a foil to Hawkeye's equally stubborn character. When first introduced into the story, Hawkeye is described as “though muscular, he was rather toned down than full; but every nerve and muscle appeared tense and hardened by incessant exposure and fatigue.” In contrast, David is described by Cooper as “ungainly” and “narrow-shouldered; his arms long and dangling; while his hands were small, if not delicate." Although both are similar in build, Hawkeye is visualized as the tough woodsman and David the clumsy, fragile man of the time period. These two men showcase a gender theme, not between genders, but different types of masculinity. They are defined as opposites but they exchange roles. Hawkeye puts aside his rifle to sing a song that calls him David, and David later puts aside his pacifist ways to fight the Hurons alongside the scout (301). “In the world of the Mohicans, alternative masculinities not only work together, their cooperation is necessary for cultural progress,” thus the idea of ​​man is unified among them. The men also fulfill the two extremes of the religious theme within the novel. Hawkeye mentions countless times that he is a “man without a cross.” This statement refers both to his religious status and to the fact that he is not a red-skinned man nor the typical white Christian man. He openly announces his religious status. Relying on his instincts and an artificial rifle to survive in the forest among enemies, he has no need for God. In comparison, David's religious status is also constantly brought to attention. He sings his hymns in almost every chapter he is in and believes strongly in God's prayer, that God will judge all people and races worthy of living. Hawkeye scolds him for this and tells him that the natives do not believe in his God but in the Great Spirit. He does not have the scout's well-established skills to survive against the natives, but his main weapon is his words, as stated by Hawkeye himself. Different beliefs and experiences greatly distinguish these men, however, no other character can fill the role of Hawkeye's perfect complement without being so eccentric. Hawkeye can be considered a man out of place in the forest because he is a man of white blood. By dressing and behaving like those who were one with the forest, he is seen as an oddity in the eyes of both the white cast and the audience. David is also a white man out of place in the forest. The importance of silence is emphasized a lot by others, yet he continues to sing outdoors and is "too ignorant of the customs and history of the natives." He is labeled a fool by the people of the tribe for the absurdity of trying to open their hearts using God's words. Keep in mind: this is just one example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get an essay 1.