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Natty Bumpo in The Deerslayer

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In 1841, an author named James Fenimore Cooper wrote The Deerslayer, the fifth book in his series titled, “The Leatherstocking Tales.” The series revolves around his character named Natty Bumpo. Also known as The Deerslayer, Bumpo is normally seen as a leader. But in this case, Natty Bumpo is not an example of a hero due to his taunts, escape plan, and pride towards his death. Although Bumpo seems brave by not flinching at the knives being thrown at him, his actions following them jeopardize his title as a hero. As the Hurons come closer to throw at him, he begins to taunt them, making these Indians angry. Bumpo says, “Throw away Huron, or your tomahawk will forget its arr’nd” (page 121). This exemplifies how rude Bumpo is, and heroes are not rude; they’re always kind to others regardless of who they are. Soldiers in the army, for example, are everyday heroes. They are nice to every captain, lieutenant, or sergeant they know, which demonstrates respect. By making fun of the Hurons, Bumpo lacks respect, limiting him from being a hero. Not only does Bumpo lack respect, he lacks morale in his escape plan. As the English are closing in, and it is understood that they will experience death, Bumpo decides to leave, leaving behind men, women, and children to be killed by English people. The English pretty much did the dirty work for Bumpo. He carefully timed it right and left, not helping anyone. It is quoted, “Deerslayer watched his opportunity,” (page 125) demonstrating he made his actions deliberate to get himself out of there. Real heroes help people regardless if they want to get themselves out first. A firefighter is a prime example of this, they get people out of danger putting their own life at risk, not caring if they escape or not. Bumpo does not perform this either, confirming he is not a hero. Lastly, Bumpo shows pride in himself when he is let free from the Indians, making it difficult to be classified as a hero.

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