Re: Hurray for Duncan

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: Well, Marcia................

: Not to detract in any way from the bravery displayed by Hawkeye or Chingachgook, Duncan still went further than they. It is true that ALL rose to each and every occasion that presented itself with honorable valor, but it should be remembered that nothing less would have been acceptable for warrior/soldiers. They were expected to defend women, especially when the women were in danger from the enemy... the Huron. True, Hawkeye entered the Huron village, but he would have known that by entering of his own free will, unarmed, that the likelihood of death was rather small. A beating? Sure. Death? Probably not. And yes, he offered his life for Cora's, but again... she was a woman AND more importantly, she was the woman he loved. Can you imagine anything less? Duncan, on the other hand, offered his life in exchange for Hawkeye's.... his enemy. Think about it... to willingly die in place of your enemy may be one of the greatest deeds a person can do. ("Tis a far greater thing I do than I have ever done....." Dickens would say.)

: And though Chingachgook did risk his life during the battle with Magua, his motivation was, as you say, to avenge his son's death; many would do the same (not to mention that Uncas had already dispatched most of the Huron party). 
: To highlight Duncan's heroism does not belittle Hawkeye's or Ching's. They were dashingly brave and heroic throughout, but Duncan's final act was stunningly noble. I think more than the accident of survival is at play here.

: Besides, Marcia, you're just saying that because you've become infatuated with him! (DDL, I mean......)


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