There are books that do not let go from the very beginning of acquaintance to the last page. They are not only not forgotten in adulthood, but on the contrary, they provide no less pleasure from re-reading. These are works that excite the hearts and make you empathize with the heroes, or even mourn the injustice of fate. These are books on which films and cartoons are shot, which are very popular among the people. One of them is the Pathfinder, a summary of which is known to all Western fans.
A few words about the creator
The author of the work, as well as a series about Nathaniel Bampo, is Fenimore Cooper. This is a classic American adventure literature , the founder of the Western style. He grew up at a time when the colonists were just beginning to conquer America, so he knew the life of Indians and white aliens very well. Before his eyes, a drama of extermination of the redskins, whom he loved and respected, flared up. He actually empathized with them, sympathized with such injustice, fought against it with his pen. But, unfortunately, he could not change anything.
It is interesting that by chance the first book of the writer (and after it other works) “Pathfinder” appeared. The summary can never convey the atmosphere into which the reader plunges, plunging into the pages of books. They should be read and re-read as a whole. It's worth it.
So, Cooper wrote his first novel, arguing with his wife, but he liked it. And the readers liked a completely new genre. Therefore, James had no choice but to continue to work in the field of literature.
Leather Stocking Image
A very attractive hero was created by F. Cooper. The Pathfinder, a brief summary of which will be discussed below, talks about Natty Bampo. At first glance, it seems too artificial, as the author is prone to hyperbolization and naive romanticization. However, it is worth considering that in the eyes of Leather Stocking a story was being created in which he took an active part. Moreover, he was an outcast of “normal” European society. Why? Because the main ills of his contemporaries are alien to him: a thirst for power, greed, injustice, and lies. He cannot categorically come to terms with them, therefore he voluntarily refuses society, and finds peace only among people like him, that is, Indians. Reality often tried to return it to civilization, but each time the character was cruelly disappointed. And on the last pages of the cycle, Nathaniel remained a lone wolf, a seeker of the human ideal.
Fenimore Cooper Pathfinder: Summary
Now it’s time to remember what this is about in the book that F. Cooper wrote. The Pathfinder, a summary of which we will describe, is the third book of the cycle. On the pages of the novel, the reader will see acquaintances from the first works of the characters Natti Bampo and Chingachguk, as well as meet new characters. This is the beautiful Mabel Dunham, the brave sailor Charles Cap (Salt Water), the young Jasper Western and the Indian couple Blasting Arrow and June Dew. The action of the novel takes place on the shores of picturesque Lake Ontario.
If you retell the summary of the book "The Pathfinder", then it talks about the struggle for influence between the French and the British, who have drawn Indian tribes into their conflict . At this time, a young girl, Mabel Dunham, sets off on a journey to see her father, who was serving in the fortress. With her goes her sailor uncle and guides of the Tuskaror Indians. On the way, they meet with two white people and one redskin. It was Leather Stocking, Chingachgook and sailor Jasper. They were sent by Mabel's father for security. About how a group of travelers moved deeper into America, and tells the "Pathfinder". The summary of the novel should interest the reader, make him take this book into his own hands and read from cover to cover.
Unhappy love
During the journey, a group of daredevils expect dangerous adventures: water crossing, skirmishes with the Iroquois. But when they reached the goal, it turns out that to be continued. Young Jasper is accused of espionage, and the girl’s father decides to marry her Pathfinder. Nathaniel himself fell madly in love with Magni, so he happily makes her an offer of marriage. But she refuses. In the meantime, the French are attacking (the Spying Arrow was actually a spy), mortally wounding Sergeant Dunham. He bequeaths to his daughter to marry Leather Stocking, and she agrees. However, over time, the hero realizes that Mabel does not love him, but Jasper has long been the chosen one of her heart. Therefore, he breaks the engagement and blesses lovers.
If you read a very brief summary ("The Pathfinder"), then you may not find out that the wedding of Magni and Jasper was, and Nathaniel congratulated them and disappeared. After many years, a young woman, walking with her children, saw in the distance a figure very much like a long-time friend. Then she asked the locals who it was. She was told that a legendary hunter nicknamed the Pathfinder came. Magni realized that he could not stop loving her.
Leather Stocking Cycle
Fenimore Cooper did not just create a beautiful image of a man who made history. He described the whole life of his hero, full of adventures and dangers, hardships and disappointments, joy and grief. The fate of Nathaniel fit in five books that tell about the young age of the character, his growing up and aging. And along with the fate of Leather Stocking, the author portrayed the life of America, hostility between people who can not share such vast wealth. He sketched the tragedy of fate and insensibility, subjugation and struggle and regretted recorded changes in the usual way of life.
Pyatilogy
We will present a list of books that went into the cycle, in chronological order, since they were written at different times.
- “St. John's Wort, or the First Path of War” - in the novel, Nathaniel is seventeen to eighteen years old. The book was written in 1841.
- "The Last of the Mohicans, or the Story of 1757." The main character is 32-34 years old, and the novel itself was released in 1826.
- The Pathfinder, or On the Ontario, in which the character is approximately 35-38 years old. The work was written in 1840.
- "Pioneers, or At the Origins of Saskuihanna" describes the life of Nathaniel at 67-68 years. The novel appeared in 1823.
- “Prairie (Steppes)” is the final book about the Pathfinder, who is 78-79 years old at the time of the story. Saw the light in 1827.
Popularity in the Union
It is worth noting that the novels of Fenimore Cooper were very popular all over the world, and in the Soviet Union in particular. The books were first translated into Russian by A.O. Ishimov in the mid-nineteenth century, and since then they have been reprinted several times. Films and cartoons were shot on the motives of the works on Leather Stocking, stamps were issued. And it is worth noting that many actors wanted to embody the characters of Cooper on the screen. Children studied novels in the school curriculum, and then played in the courtyard, portraying a brave hero and his friends.
Children's version
Undoubtedly, the works of Fenimore Cooper are designed for adolescents and children of senior school age. But even small readers can get acquainted with the world of wonderful nature. It is possible that Skrebitsky wrote his “Tales of the Pathfinder,” a brief summary of which we will also consider after reading the adventures of Nathaniel Bampo.
Designed works for children of primary school age. But these are not ordinary fairy tales at all. They do not talk about good and evil wizards, mountain serpents, heroes and monsters. But a little admirer of literature is waiting for exciting descriptions of miracles, noticed by a keen eye. Skrebitsky appears before us as a nature pathologist. “Tales of the Pathfinder,” a brief summary of which the magic of the book cannot open, tells about the world around. For example, about what the children found in the birdhouse and how they looked for the owner of the thing. Small little girls will get acquainted with an intractable and stubborn hedgehog, a cunning cuckoo, a kind and inconspicuous night bug, who managed to get a flashlight and become a firefly. What did Skrebitsky want to convey to the children? "Tales of the ranger," a brief summary of which is described above, tells about animals and their habits, features, and forest signs. In a word, about the amazing world that needs to be studied and explored.
Instead of an afterword
Needless to say, the exciting world of literature is open only to those who are not afraid to read works in the full version? Good luck, friends, good afternoon!