It is important to understand the key elements of American
romantic literature in order to analyze The Deerslayer by these
standards.
By nature, the romantic novel in American
literature focuses on an exploration of new frontiers, wilderness, the West.
The Deerslayer takes place in such a wilderness. The plot revolves
largely around a lake (Glimmerglass) and the woods.
The
other prominent characteristic of romantic literature is the "romantic hero." The
characterists possessed by the romantic hero can also be looked at as common
themes of the literature
itself.
- rugged, wild, uncivilized,
unsophisticated - virtue was in American
innocence - sense of honor based on a higher principle
rather than society’s rules - knowledge of people/life
based on experience rather than books or formal
learning - loves nature, avoids town
life - quest for higher truth in the natural
world
Consider how Natty Bummpo (Deerslayer)
coincides with these characteristics, and I think you will have the full answer to your
question.
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