He was willing to give up Cora to the man who he realized she loved more than him. He loved her THAT much that he would burn alive so she could possibly get away and be happy. that was very English of him now wasn't it? Glad they shot him and put him out of his misery.
But why didn't Uncas wait for his father and hawkeye???
I hated Duncan throughout, but respected him for his sacrifice. That's quite something to do, and yes, very British. I also think it very honorable (and merciful) that Hawkeye shot him. Can you imagine how horrible being burned alive would be? Ugh. I think the two men found a measure of respect for each other that they may or may not have otherwise had, in trying to save Cora from that sort of death.
shareIt was honourable of Duncan behaving like that at the end and Hawkeye despatching him. I did read the book a number of years ago. I cannot remember if that happened to Duncan or not. In the book him and Hawkeye were actually friendly rivals.
shareThe English part was when he betrayed the promise that was made to the militia.
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