The major action in the novel centers on Cora and Alice Munro's journey from Fort Edward to Fort William Henry, where their father, Lt. Colonel Munro is commander of the forces. The girls are accompanied by Major Duncan Heyward and their Indian guide, Magua, a Huron who has been exiled from his tribe. Along the way, they meet David Gamut, a psalmodist, Natty Bumppo (also known as Hawkeye) and his two Mohican friends, Chingachgook and his son, Uncas.
In Chapter 3, we get an idea of the kind of relationship Chingachgook has with his son, Uncas. Even though the father and son relationship is a close one, a proud heritage as warriors prevents both from demonstrating undue physical affection for the other. Instead, the unspoken bond of male camaraderie is exhibited in quiet respect and regard. It is clear that both warriors are comfortable working and fighting side by side. Bolded words below are mine.
At the next instant, a youthful warrior passed between them, with a noiseless step, and seated himself on the bank of the rapid stream. No exclamation of surprise escaped the father, nor was any question asked, or reply given, for several minutes; each appearing to await the moment when he might speak, without betraying womanish curiosity or childish impatience. (There is no coercion in Chingachgook and Uncas' relationship; both accord each other respect and consideration in every interaction).
The instant the father seconded this intimation by an expressive gesture of the hand, Uncas threw himself on the ground, and approached the animal with wary movements. (Here, Chingachgook gives the order for Uncas to track and to kill a deer for their supper. Uncas, although a grown man and warrior in his own right, submits himself to his father's authority without question).
These Mohicans and I will do what man's thoughts can invent, to keep such flowers, which, though so sweet, were never made for the wilderness, from harm, and that without hope of any other recompense but such as God always gives to upright dealings. (Here, Chingachgook and Uncas, at great danger to their lives, demonstrate honor and decency in their resolve to ensure Cora and Alice Munro's safety).
On the other hand, Lt. Colonel Munro's relationship with his daughters, although just as intimate, is filled with open affection and warmth. This is evident in Chapter 16 when the girls are happily reunited with their father at Fort William Henry. Munro is also an indulgent father, for he permits his daughters to make the dangerous journey to Fort William Henry after they plead with him to assent to their desires.
Major Heyward found Munro attended only by his daughters. Alice sat upon his knee, parting the gray hairs on the forehead of the old man with her delicate fingers; and whenever he affected to frown on her trifling, appeasing his assumed anger by pressing her ruby lips fondly on his wrinkled brow.
As with any father of daughters, Lt. Colonel Munro is extremely protective of Cora and Alice. So it is that when the hapless Major Heyward initially attempts to ask for permission to court Alice, Munro is incensed. He thinks that Heyward has rejected Cora, his eldest daughter, because of her darker skin. Troubled at the turn in conversation, Major Heyward awkwardly protests at such an unfair characterization of his purposes. Undaunted, Munro proceeds to subject Heyward to a history lesson about Cora and Alice's background.
But could I find a man among them who would dare to reflect on my child, he should feel the weight of a father's anger!..."And you cast it on my child as a reproach! You scorn to mingle the blood of the Heywards with one so degraded—lovely and virtuous though she be?" fiercely demanded the jealous parent.
"Heaven protect me from a prejudice so unworthy of my reason!" returned Duncan, at the same time conscious of such a feeling, and that as deeply rooted as if it had been ingrafted in his nature. "The sweetness, the beauty, the witchery of your younger daughter, Colonel Munro, might explain my motives without imputing to me this injustice."
In Chapter 17, Magua abducts both Cora and Alice after the massacre at Fort William Henry. Munro again exhibits his care for his daughters by joining in the search for them. Despite his grief and physical suffering, he pushes on bravely beside Heyward, Chingachgook, Uncas, and Hawkeye, as they race against time to retrieve the girls from Magua's clutches. In Chapter 33, Chingachgook and Munro share a common grief: the death of a much loved child. Yet, both exhibit the quiet dignity of aged warriors in the face of death and loss:
"I understand you, sir," returned Munro, with a voice of forced firmness; "I understand you. It is the will of Heaven, and I submit. Cora, my child! if the prayers of a heart-broken father could avail thee now, how blessed shouldst thou be! Come, gentlemen," he added, looking about him with an air of lofty composure, though the anguish that quivered in his faded countenance was far too powerful to be concealed, "our duty here is ended; let us depart."
"Why do my brothers mourn?" he said, regarding the dark race of dejected warriors by whom he was environed; "why do my daughters weep? that a young man has gone to the happy hunting-grounds; that a chief has filled his time with honor? He was good; he was dutiful; he was brave. Who can deny it? The Manitou had need of such a warrior, and He has called him away. As for me, the son and the father of Uncas, I am a blazed pine, in a clearing of the pale faces.
If you compare the two passages, you will see that Chingachgook and Munro are able to grieve the loss of their children while maintaining consideration and compassion for those who still look to them for leadership in a difficult time. The demonstration of dignified bereavement testifies to the character and strength of both men.
