Posted by JC on August 07, 1998 at 11:25:58:
In Reply to: Re: Favorite Scene posted by Katherine on August 07, 1998 at 08:49:12:
Hi Katherine!
(An-Alice-type-by-my-profile)
I too can look beyond what most viewers perceive Alice to be-the frail, fainting, weak, dependent, etc. , scared, oblivious little girl (a contrast to the strong independent Cora)- and connect with so much more! It is very true, and obvious, that Cora is strong. She's vocal with her thoughts, wears her heart on her sleeves, and takes action. But, just because Alice is the opposite of Cora, silent and frightened of her surrounding environment, does not make her weak. Strength comes in many different packages. A person can appear to be quiet, reserved, emotionless, oblivious, scared, or whatever you want to label it, and still have strength.
I believe, like Katherine, that Alice expresses herself differently. She's a sit back and observe the situation type, taking in her surroundings and internalizing everything she sees. She's cautious- not so quick place her trust in others. In many ways, she's alone-but, she knows her heart, and those that know their hearts are very strong and stand on their own.
In the same way, Uncas knows his heart, and his heart tells him to fight for his life to save Alice. Alice and Uncas are soul mates, in my opinion. I believe that Uncas recognizes in Alice what is inside of himself- an inner strength so deep that it touches his soul, it's every fiber of his being. Uncas is in the shadow of Hawkeye and his father Chingachgook and Alice is in the shadow of Cora. Neither have had the chance to shine on their own yet. In the end, Uncas and Alice never let the fear of death enter their hearts, they embrace it and they are set free. Together forever, shining brightly as one star in th night.
I also agree with Katherine that Alice is in NO way "a female who completely depends on you to defend her, provide for her and otherwise has no independence or self-sufficiency..." If this were true, she would have stayed with Magua. It would have been the easier thing to do, staying with Magua.
You all may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.....
JC