Last of the Mohicans

Take a look at a classic novel. Students will compare and contrast Lake George then and Lake George now.

(Teacher Version)

Grade Level: 7-9

Subject: ELA, Social Studies

Duration: Two class periods: one for reading the chapter, another for class discussion and explanation of the writing assignment.

Objectives:

1.      To introduce students to a classic American book.

2.      To develop an appreciation for Lake George as it was over two-hundred years ago, and how it’s changed.

3.      To develop reading analysis and writing skills.

Materials:

Chapter 20 of The Last of the Mohicans. This book is widely available in most schools. If you are unable to get copies for the class, it can be copied.

Procedure:

1.      Read the student introduction to Chapter 20 either to or with the class.

2.      Have the class read Chapter 20.

3.      Have students trace on a map the path described in the chapter.

4.      Discuss the chapter. Questions might include: The role played by the setting, how Copper creates excitement and tension in the scene, the reasons for traveling by water instead of land, the importance of Lake George (why were the French and English fighting for control of the forts?). Ask students if they have seen either of the movie versions. If so, how does the book compare?

5.      Writing assignment: Have the students write their own chase scenes set on Lake George today. Encourage them to use their imaginations to convert the action in the chapter to a modern scene.

Optional: The class as a whole may wish to read some of the best student scenes to compare them to Cooper’s scene.

Background:

The Last of the Mohicans is one of the most influential novels in American literary history. Hawkeye, the protagonist of the Cooper’s Leatherstocking Tales, became the prototype of the American hero. He is resourceful, brave, confident, and finely attuned to the wilderness of the New World.

Chapter 20 is one of the most exciting chapters in The Last of the Mohicans, and one of the most thrilling scenes in American literature. The book as a whole often alternates between these exciting scenes, and longer slowly-paced passages. Both movie adaptations have focused on these action scenes.

Other exciting scenes in the book include the Cooper’s Cave scene which is set in Glens Falls, the siege and massacre at Fort William Henry, and the final confrontation between Magua and his pursuers on a mountaintop in the Adirondack High Peaks region. Chapter 20 was chosen because the scene moves descriptively along Lake George.

Cooper’s descriptions of Lake George helped to create its reputation as “The Queen of American Lakes”.