How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
But, emulating the patience and self-denial of the practiced native warriors, they learned to overcome every difficulty; and it would seem that, in time, there was no recess of the woods so dark, nor any secret place so lovely, that it might claim exemption from the inroads of those who had pledged their blood to satiate their vengeance, or to uphold the cold and selfish policy of the distant monarchs of Europe. (1.1)
The Native Americans have, totally unsurprisingly, a way better sense of how to negotiate the forests than the white Europeans. So the Europeans learn how to navigate the land thanks to the Native Americans' skills. But they're only doing this to help colonize these areas, not because they're interested in learning about nature or anything.
Quote #2
The rays of the sun were beginning to grow less fierce, and the intense heat of the day was lessened, as the cooler vapors of the springs and fountains rose above their leafy beds, and rested in the atmosphere. Still that breathing silence, which marks the drowsy sultriness of an American landscape in July, pervaded the secluded spot, interrupted only by the low voices of the men, the occasional and lazy tap of a woodpecker, the discordant cry of some gaudy jay, or a swelling on the ear, from the dull roar of a distant waterfall. (3.2)
Cooper often describes the time of day and the season based on the scenery instead of telling us that it's four in the afternoon or what have you. This method mirrors Hawkeye's ability to always know where and when he is in the forest. That's a nifty literary trick, Coop.
Quote #3
"An Indian lost in the woods!" said the scout, shaking his head doubtingly; "When the sun is scorching the tree tops, and the water courses are full; when the moss on every beech he sees will tell him in what quarter the north star will shine at night." (4.11)
Hawkeye claims it is impossible for an Indian to be lost in the woods. Is this true in the rest of the novel? How do white men fare in the woods?