This paper focuses on the evolving policies relevant in the twentieth century and the underlying ideologies by looking at the representation of Native Americans in popular culture. Both, contemporary policy and ideology, are formative powers that influence popular culture. Then again, popular culture, especially the medium of film, is a purveyor of national ideologies, values, and trends to society. Here, it will be argued that the shifting policies on Native Americans are reflected in their representation in the cinematic productions of "The last of the Mohicans".
A diachronic analysis will help to filter out both changes and consistencies of the popular perspective on American Indians in film throughout the last century. In order to do so, four filmic versions of "The last of the Mohicans" will be examined: the 1920 silent movie, the 1936, the 1977, as well as the 1992 release. Analyzing representational tools, their functions, and the preferred reading within each movie – as coined by Stuart Hall – and a comparison between the movies will constitute the theoretical approach and will help to pinpoint ideological functions and the role of policy at the time of each of the adaptions. The focus of scene analysis will be on the depiction of violence on the one hand, and on relationship dynamics between Native Americans and Whites on the other hand.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- James Fenimore Cooper's Last of the Mohicans
- Last of the Mohicans 1920: Assimilation
- Last of the Mohicans 1936: Indian Reorganization Act
- Last of the Mohicans 1977: Civil Rights Movement
- Last of the Mohicans 1992: Continuity
- Résumé
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the evolving policies towards Native Americans in the 20th century and their reflection in cinematic representations of Native Americans, using four film adaptations of The Last of the Mohicans as case studies. The analysis focuses on how shifting governmental policies and prevailing ideologies influenced the portrayal of Native Americans in these films.
- The impact of US government policies on Native American communities.
- The representation of Native Americans in popular culture, specifically film.
- The evolution of cinematic depictions of Native Americans over time.
- The relationship between film, ideology, and national identity.
- Analysis of violence and inter-cultural relationships in the film adaptations.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter establishes the context of the paper by outlining the historical evolution of US federal policies towards Native Americans. It highlights the cyclical nature of these policies, swinging between assimilation, removal, and accommodation, and emphasizes the role of prevailing ideologies in shaping these approaches. The chapter introduces the concept of the "Indian problem" and its various interpretations throughout history, laying the groundwork for an analysis of how these changing perspectives are reflected in the cinematic adaptations of The Last of the Mohicans.
James Fenimore Cooper's Last of the Mohicans: This section provides an overview of Cooper's novel, highlighting its role in shaping the American national myth and its contribution to the "Vanishing Indian" trope. The chapter explores Cooper's own complex position regarding Native Americans, caught between sympathy and the prevailing racist sentiments of his time. It also examines how the novel's ambiguities allowed for diverse interpretations and adaptations in subsequent film versions.
Last of the Mohicans 1920: Assimilation: This chapter analyzes the 1920 film adaptation of The Last of the Mohicans within the context of the General Allotment Act of 1887. It explores how the film's portrayal of Native Americans reflects the assimilationist policies of the era, emphasizing the forced absorption of Native lands and cultures into the dominant American system. The chapter discusses the underlying racism and discriminatory attitudes prevalent during this period and their manifestation in the film's representation of Native characters.
Keywords
Native Americans, American Indian policy, film adaptation, The Last of the Mohicans, representation, assimilation, ideology, national identity, cinematic analysis, cultural representation, historical context.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Film Adaptations of *The Last of the Mohicans*
What is the main focus of this academic paper?
This paper examines how evolving US government policies towards Native Americans in the 20th century are reflected in four different film adaptations of James Fenimore Cooper's *The Last of the Mohicans*. It analyzes how shifting governmental policies and ideologies shaped the portrayal of Native Americans in these films.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the impact of US government policies on Native American communities; the representation of Native Americans in popular culture, specifically film; the evolution of cinematic depictions of Native Americans over time; the relationship between film, ideology, and national identity; and an analysis of violence and intercultural relationships within the film adaptations.
Which film adaptations of *The Last of the Mohicans* are analyzed?
The paper analyzes four film adaptations of *The Last of the Mohicans*: a 1920 version, a 1936 version, a 1977 version, and a 1992 version. Each adaptation is examined within its specific historical and political context.
How does the paper connect the films to historical context?
The paper connects each film adaptation to the prevailing US government policies and ideologies of its time. For example, the 1920 adaptation is analyzed in relation to the assimilationist policies following the General Allotment Act of 1887, while the later adaptations are examined in light of the Indian Reorganization Act and the Civil Rights Movement.
What is the significance of James Fenimore Cooper's original novel?
The paper explores Cooper's novel as a foundational text shaping the American national myth and contributing to the "Vanishing Indian" trope. It examines the ambiguities within Cooper's work and how these allowed for diverse interpretations in subsequent film versions.
What aspects of the film adaptations are analyzed?
The analysis focuses on the portrayal of Native Americans in each film, examining how their representation reflects the dominant ideologies and governmental policies of the respective eras. The analysis also considers the depiction of violence and intercultural relationships within the films.
What are the key takeaways of the paper?
The paper aims to demonstrate the significant influence of historical context and governmental policy on the cinematic representation of Native Americans. By analyzing these four adaptations, it highlights the evolution of both policy and portrayal, showcasing how film reflects and shapes societal attitudes towards indigenous populations.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include: Native Americans, American Indian policy, film adaptation, *The Last of the Mohicans*, representation, assimilation, ideology, national identity, cinematic analysis, cultural representation, historical context.
- Quote paper
- Michael Simon (Author), 2017, Native American Representation in “The Last of the Mohicans”, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/960693
