INTERRACIAL FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE IN “THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS” BY JAMES FENIMORE COOPER

Abstract

This article examines the thematic portrayal of interracial friendships and romantic relationships in James Fenimore Cooper’s seminal work, "The Last of the Mohicans." Set against the backdrop of the French and Indian War, Cooper's novel offers a rich narrative that explores the complexities of cultural intersections through its characters. Focusing on the dynamics between key figures such as Hawkeye and Chingachgook, and the tragic love story of Uncas and Cora, this study highlights how these interracial relationships both challenge and reflect the societal norms of the 18th century. Through a detailed literary analysis informed by historical context and existing scholarship, this paper argues that Cooper uses these crosscultural interactions to critique the period’s racial prejudices and to propose a vision of unity that was ahead of its time. The analysis not only sheds light on Cooper's narrative strategy but also contributes to a broader understanding of the role of interracial relationships in shaping American literary traditions and societal views on race and integration.