Essay Questions

The irony of nature’s cruelty is evident in The Pioneers. Briefly illustrate how the irony manifests itself in the story.

The inhabitants in the story have developed tactics that help them to survive harsh environmental conditions all year round. The worst weather season of the year is winter. However, it is ironic that people in this story are not scared of winter despite its inhospitable conditions. They have learned not to vacate their houses during winter but stay put because they come together as a sign of generating warmth for themselves.

What did Natty Bumppo mean when he says, “I trouble no man; why can't the law leave me to myself? Go back—go back, and tell your Judge that he may keep his bounty, but I won't have his wasty ways brought into my hut”?

Natty has been living in the wildness for ages and he is used to the old ways of survival. However, civilization is changing the way things are done and there are possible legislations that must be put in place to bring economic order to the area. Natty is not happy with these developments. There is a dispute involving him and the judge called Marmaduke who wants the legislative laws imposed. A judge is an influential person in terms of wealth and power. Natty is involved in the land dispute cases and he wants the law to leave him alone since he has the choice of living in his old ways. He is not ready to embrace modernity and economic order. Natty has a feeling that the motives of the judge are insincere.

How does James Fenimore Cooper make use of the literary device symbol?

The author uses the mountain as a symbol to illustrate self-actualization and manifestation. One of the characters by the name Elizabeth is fond of hiking near the mountains and hills. As she hikes, she reflects on her life and feels that she has achieved a lot in her life. The hills and mountains are distant from town and this makes it a perfect place for self-reflection.