The Pioneers is a 19th century historical novel written by James Fenimore Cooper. At the time the story takes place, America and its people are just starting to come into their own. The country is expanding westward, with people similar to those in The Pioneers searching for discovery and successful lives somewhere unfamiliar to them. The novel’s plot revolves around a group of pioneers living in Templeton, a settlement in the state of New York. They plan to explore the American frontier, and eventually begin to do so by the end of the novel. Using a definition appropriate for the novel, a frontier is the land or territory that forms the furthest extent of a country’s settled or inhabited regions. The frontier is unknown and unestablished land to the pioneers. However, it has a deeper significance. It represents opportunity, change, and progress for a young but rapidly growing nation. The 19th century pioneers of America were fearful of how their journey across this uncharted territory would turn out, but at the same time were optimistic of the promising opportunities that lie ahead.
A prime example of change is when Leatherstocking’s close friend, the Mohican Indian Chingachcook, dies. His death represents America’s fear for the displacement, and potential eradication, of the Indians. For over almost two centuries, European-Americans had been establishing states and territories from present-day Maine to Georgia and as far west as what is now Michigan, Illinois, and Mississippi. Pioneers were continuously advancing west, gradually phasing out Native American tribes. Since Indians had no concept of owning land and Americans did, they struggled to find common ground during this time of expansion in the late 18th century and well into the 19th century.
A question to think about:
Can the idea of the frontier be applied to modern-day America?
I think modern-day America still has many frontiers. In many ways anything new can be called a frontier as was outer space in the 1960s. But more on note with the book, the nature reserves within the US is still a frontier of our own. Politics often debate over what to do with the land. Should it be used for its natural resources or should it be preserved to conserve the beauty.
To answer your question, I don’t think the idea of the frontier can be applied to modern America. Modern America is far too complex compared to what it was back then. Not just the landscape but the people that make up America as well.
I don’t think that modern-day America has many frontiers left. I think we’ve exploited most of Earth’s resources. Humankind has become far too advanced and globalization has prevented further exploration of new frontiers on Earth. However, as we continue to advance I do think that there are new frontiers waiting for exploration in outer space.
While we may now lack any physical frontiers to conquer as a nation, we still have metaphorical frontiers to drive us forwards. On one hand there really isn’t any land on earth left to settle and space travel isn’t really coming together as we hoped. That being said, we can still strive for new frontiers in the arts and sciences as something to drive us.
It seems more like Leather Stocking and the Indians they are forced out of Templeton rather than choosing to explore westward. Leather Stocking only left because the settlers were infringing on his land. However, he does eventually venture westward symbolizing the opportunity of the unknown in the west.