One could read Cooper's novel "The Last of the Mohicans" and find it extremely difficult to read, certainly, it is by no means a modern novel, but if the If the reader is a fan of 20th century modern theatrical performance as well as other literary works of the late 18th and early 19th centuries such as Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" or Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women", it can be quite enjoyable. As a literary form, the novel was still in its infancy when Cooper wrote “The Last of the Mohicans.” For its time, Cooper's book accomplished a lot and set higher standards for the novels that followed. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay To begin with, this story was written almost 200 years ago and describes a time approximately 50 years before the date of publication. As such, the writing style is meticulous, meaning it takes a lot of time and carefully placed words to describe the physical environment. For example, instead of describing the encounter between a Mohican (Chingachgook) and a European (Hawk-eye) in the forest as a beautiful July afternoon, Cooper writes: "On that day two men could be observed, lingering on the banks. of a small but rapid stream, an hour's journey from Web's camp, like those who await the appearance of an absent person, or the approach of some expected event. The vast canopy of wood stretched to the river's edge, overlooking the water and shading its dark, glassy current with a deeper hue. The sun's rays began to become less violent and the intense heat of the day lessened as the cooler vapors from the springs and fountains rose above their beds of leaves and rested in the atmosphere. Unfortunately, this also means that the story can sometimes drag on while the reader digests the exact coloring of the trees or the flow of water in streams. However, it is nonetheless a very fascinating story. If the reader adheres to the storyline and the characters, they should have no problem getting through the book. Others who lack the ability to focus on the ongoing story and/or character struggles, written as eloquently and carefully as an artist with paint on canvas, might have more difficulties. Some comments about the "racial overtones" of the story one might posit is just an account of "the way things were" at the time. When Cooper writes, "Letting unsuspecting Heyward and his trusting companions go even deeper into a forest that held such treacherous inmates," he is not being racist or demeaning, he is simply using the vocabulary of the day to paint a picture. Less sophisticated vocabulary would undoubtedly dilute and diminish the authenticity of the story. The reader should find no legitimate problem with the portrayal of the various non-white characters since at the time the story takes place, that is in fact how they were characterized in society. Non-whites are sometimes portrayed as savages, but only at the behest of whites who have deceived them with empty promises, otherwise they are shown as reasonable, humane, and, yes, "noble." Keep in mind: This is just a sample.Get a custom paper from our expert writers now.Get a custom essayFinally, one should refrain from trying to apply morals, beliefs and standards social issues of today when they read “The Last of the Mohicans”. Literature is meant to.