The Pioneers

Although all of the characters in the novel are Christian, they profess wildly different interpretations of religion. Discuss the different perspectives and forms of worship displayed and how they tie in with the themes of the novel.

Discuss the novel’s treatment of Native Americans and African-American characters. How might they have fit in with the views of white Americans of Cooper’s day, and how do they come across now?

The major characters of the novel display very different politics and governing philosophies. Which set of views ‘won out’ over American history, and who do you most agree with?

Discuss Cooper’s use of language, pronunciation, and slang. How do they relate to each person’s culture and character?

Compare and contrast Cooper’s description of the natural environment with that of the manmade environment (i.e. Templeton and its buildings). What do you think explains this divide?

Though Leatherstocking and Temple share a preservationist instinct, they disagree over the nature of the law. What are their key similarities and differences when it comes to their views of the environment? Why is Leatherstocking so resentful and dismissive of Temple’s laws?

The Pioneers displays a sharp contrast between the romantic and adventurous plot and the more grounded and realistic descriptions of the environment and day-to-day activities of the settlers. Why do you think Cooper separates the various aspects of the novel in this way?

Discuss Cooper’s use of humor in the novel. What techniques does he use to develop his humor and social satire, and to what end?