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richfed
Sachem
USA
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Posted - August 12 2006 : 07:47:33 AM
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Poll Question:
Lots of heroic deeds & thoughts flying about in LOTM. No doubt there are at least several heroes in the film. Who is the ONE true hero? The MOST heroic of all?
Yes, a sexist poll ... no women listed!
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Monadnock Guide
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Posted - August 12 2006 : 4:29:12 PM
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Without any question, Magua make this film interesting, ... |
you can keep "The Change" |
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Dark Woods
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Posted - August 13 2006 : 1:53:47 PM
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The most heroic figure in my view is the unnamed warrior who attempts to take Cora's scalp in Massacre Valley. Not to minimize the horror for the scalping victim, attempting to take a scalp in the midst of a battle leaves the scalp-taker quite esposed to counter-attack. The warrior had to know that (particularly because he was attacking Hawkeye's beloved) that he was on a suicide mission. (If he did not know, he should have read the script more thoroughly.)
While I admire the unnamed warrior's courage, I want to make clear that I am glad he failed, and that Cora's tresses survived to receive many future caresses from Hawkeye.
Monadnock Guide does make a good point in favor of Magua. |
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Irishgirl
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Posted - August 13 2006 : 5:07:13 PM
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Wasn't he getting ready to cut her throat not scalp her? He is hardly a hero in anybody's books. |
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MeggieD
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Posted - August 14 2006 : 11:06:43 AM
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While I agree that Uncas acted heroically, although foolishly, I think Chingachgook is the hero of this tale...he is after all "The Last of the Mohicans" |
Uncas: "some food" |
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Dark Woods
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Dark Woods
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Posted - August 14 2006 : 1:11:32 PM
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I guess the unnamed warrior is a loser on a number of levels--being killed by Hawkeye was just the beginning of his problems!
So I withdraw that nominee, and continue on my quest for "Other" possible nominees for the One and Only Hero.
I now nominate a very different character--Alexandra Cameron. I think that it qualifies as heroic that she kept her wedding vows by staying with John Cameron, rather than running off with Uncas.
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Lurking Huron2210
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Posted - August 14 2006 : 1:21:22 PM
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Oh come on people, we all know that the real hero is, well, was Uncas
Hmm... the voices in my head want you all to know that they think the most heroic was Hawkeye.
I suppose it's a good job I never listen to my head... |
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Irishgirl
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Posted - August 14 2006 : 7:15:02 PM
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quote: Originally posted by Dark Woods
I now nominate a very different character--Alexandra Cameron. I think that it qualifies as heroic that she kept her wedding vows by staying with John Cameron, rather than running off with Uncas.
You make a great point Dark Woods and I totally agree with you on that. She deserves none other than "Sainthood" I think. |
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Stephanie
Gathering Sachemess
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Posted - August 14 2006 : 9:03:54 PM
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One of the dictionary definitions of hero (heroic) is: "A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life."
So, while Magua might "make the film" I hardly think his actions have a nobility of purpose. And Alexandra Cameron might be brave for living in the wilderness frontier as she does, but I still do not think she fits the definition of heroic. Col. Munro and Jack are both brave, as well, and both believe that their purpose is noble, but I don't think either of them qualifies as THE MOST heroic in the film. That leaves Chingachgook, Hawkeye, Uncas, and Duncan. Yes, Duncan fits the definition because he truly believes his purpose is noble (to make the world England, Sir.) Also he does behave as a gentleman during the George Rd Ambush by trying to protect the ladies at all costs. Poor judgement is what makes us dislike him, but his actions then, and later of course, are truly heroic. He becomes the ultimate hero, by definition, by giving his life so that others may live.
But I still don't think Duncan is the MOST heroic, so let's look at Uncas. Yes, he's brave, yes he gives his life trying to protect another, so he certainly fits the definition as well. Chingachgook is brave and has noble purpose to his deeds as well.
But Hawkeye.... let's look at some of his heroic deeds. It appears to be his idea to escort the ambushed Brits to safety after the George Rd. ambush, although he has nothing to gain by it but he knows it is the right thing to do. He takes the lead in trying to get the colonial militia released so they can go back and defend their homes and farms and even planned an escape for some even though he knew he would be imprisoned and hanged for it. Again, it was a noble purpose. I could go on and on... but I think if you look at all of Hawkeye's actions in the movie, there is not a selfish or cowardly act among them. Although he doesn't actually give his life at the Huron village, he was willing to, and it was his idea in the first place that Duncan took so he could make the sacrifice instead. Everything Hawkeye does seems to best fit the description of heroic, so I voted for him as the MOST heroic, although there are certainly others who are heroic as well. Ok Rich this is an odd question, what made you ask this?? |
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Irishgirl
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Posted - August 15 2006 : 09:23:52 AM
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You make some great points in Hawkeye's favor Steph but I still will go with Uncas (I am biased of course) as he did after all give up his life for a girl he barely even knew or spoke to. |
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Fitzhugh Williams
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Posted - August 15 2006 : 10:57:43 AM
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Rich, why is Montcalm not on the list? He was trying to remove the trespassers from the King's lands against great odds. HE is the hero! |
"Les deux pieds contre la muraille et la tete sous le robinet" |
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Stephanie
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Posted - August 15 2006 : 1:20:32 PM
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And what about General Webb? He's the one who had to put up with the colonials AND the French. What a hero! |
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Monadnock Guide
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Posted - August 15 2006 : 1:29:57 PM
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You make a good point Stephanie, - besides who really wants to speak French? |
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richfed
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Posted - August 15 2006 : 6:45:23 PM
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quote: Originally posted by Fitzhugh Williams
Rich, why is Montcalm not on the list? He was trying to remove the trespassers from the King's lands against great odds. HE is the hero!
Ooops! Oversight, actually.
quote: Originally posted by Stephanie Ok Rich this is an odd question, what made you ask this??
Nothing too heavy ... was thinking of a new featured poll as requested within the Shout Box. 'Twas all I could come up with!
Reason 2: Wanted to see if Uncas would continue his reign of popularity. I agree with you, Steph ... Hawkeye da MAN!
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Irishgirl
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Posted - August 16 2006 : 10:02:51 AM
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Hey Rich, guess who is leading in popularity...heehee. After Uncas I would have to say Hawkeye for all the reasons Steph pointed out. As for our dear Duncan, well what can I say except I think he made a "spur of the moment" decision to take Cora's place and had he had time to think it through he would not have been so quick to blurt out "me for her". He just did not want to be outdone by Hawkeye sgain. He was just foolish in my opinion not heroic at all. |
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TBug
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Posted - August 16 2006 : 11:05:08 AM
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quote: Originally posted by Irishgirl
Hey Rich, guess who is leading in popularity...heehee. After Uncas I would have to say Hawkeye for all the reasons Steph pointed out. As for our dear Duncan, well what can I say except I think he made a "spur of the moment" decision to take Cora's place and had he had time to think it through he would not have been so quick to blurt out "me for her". He just did not want to be outdone by Hawkeye sgain. He was just foolish in my opinion not heroic at all.
I concure. Uncas, then Hawkeye. They both did what was right no matter the consequences. They both loved unconditionally and unselfishly. I am personally drawn to Uncas instead of Hawkeye, but they were both raised right imho. |
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Wilderness Woman
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Posted - August 16 2006 : 12:17:36 PM
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Steph, that was a very well done Heroism Analysis! Bravo!
And I agree with everything you said. My vote went to Hawkeye. |
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Lady of Glencairn
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Posted - August 18 2006 : 05:22:19 AM
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As much as I love Uncas, if we have to judge based on heroics, then I have to vote Hawkeye ... *Dodges IG as she glares in my direction* |
Lady of Glencairn "Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence" - H.L. Mencken |
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Light of the Moon
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Posted - August 18 2006 : 12:28:15 PM
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I voted for Ching, but I'm willing to bet that most of us Uncas crazed fans voted for our man! Well, Ching is his pa', so I guess the nut doesn't fall from from the tree! To bad there wasn't an all of the above, except Magua answer! |
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richfed
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Posted - August 19 2006 : 09:29:18 AM
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quote: Originally posted by Lady of Glencairn
As much as I love Uncas, if we have to judge based on heroics, then I have to vote Hawkeye ... *Dodges IG as she glares in my direction*
Bravo Lady!!! I often [always!!!] think that many "in love" with Eric Schweig, confuse his looks with his abilities and his role in LOTM. |
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Irishgirl
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Posted - August 19 2006 : 10:06:30 AM
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Quite correct Rich and your statement definitely applies to "moi". I am rather biased when it comes to all things Uncas. |
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Light of the Moon
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Posted - August 20 2006 : 5:45:07 PM
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I often [always!!!] think that many "in love" with Eric Schweig, confuse his looks with his abilities and his role in LOTM.[/quote]
Rich! How dare you point out the obvious! That's our Uncas Lovers secret! Being handsome is heroic!TeeHee |
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Obediah
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Posted - August 23 2006 : 12:52:11 PM
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Hey, how about a few more categories?...
MOST HEROIC: Chingachgook...for an old geezer, he kicks some major booty (just ask Magua).
FAVORITE CHARACTER: Magua!! Without him LOTM would be nothing but an 18th century soap opera, sorta like Nouvelle France. (WS is scene-stealer of the decade, if not the century. WS really deserved an Oscar for that performance.)
MOST OVER-RATED: Uncas. Alsways making calf-eyes at the blonde bimbo & then getting turned into ground chuck by Magua! *Flame away, ladies!*
BIGGEST WUSS: Alice...need I say more? |
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paazau
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Posted - August 24 2006 : 02:12:13 AM
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Sorry gals, have to agree with Rich on this one. Although Uncas is without a doubt the most gorgeous in the movie , he doesn't qualify as the most heroic (nor even the most talented, not in this flick). The honor of "Most Heroic" definitely has to go to Hawkeye.
Thanks for that absolutely fabulous analysis Steph. After reading the definition, I was saying "Duncan" <as much as it pains me to admit he could be anything other than a grade A twit> ,but your in-depth analysis of Hawkeye convinced me there was no other choice but to cast my vote for him as the "Most Heroic", without a doubt.
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Irishgirl
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Posted - August 24 2006 : 10:09:51 AM
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Biggest Wuss: Duncan
Hey I agree with Chingy being heroic but lay off the old geezer line. That man looks great for his age and boy can he ever run. |
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