MovieChat Forums > The Last of the Mohicans (1992) Discussion > Maj. Duncon's sacrifice

Maj. Duncon's sacrifice

posted 11 years ago by sid_rich
29 replies | jump to latest

I know everyone is more fascinated with Hawkeye and Cora.....or Alice and Unca's story. But what really had an effect on me was Duncan's story....maybe because its more like mine. This character looses everytime and everywhere and from everyone....makes some really bad decisions under pressure, gets rejected by the person he truly loves....disappoints everyone most of the time, including himself. And in the end gives-up everything he had to save the girl he always loved.

I think i had read about a similar character somewhere else too...I think it was in "The tale of 2 cities"....and in the Indian epic Mahabharata also has a similar character named Karan.

I like these tragic misunderstood characters.....who want to be heroes in their life, but only become a hero in their death.

[–] The LA Baker (971) 7 years ago

We judge ourselves on our intentions and others on their actions. Not that there is a better alternative, but still...

If you do not understand the reasons and intentions I do not think it is fair to truly judge someone. Like when Cora gave Hawkeye gruff about not burying the slaughtered family who fell victim to the war party. She did not understand his reasons and intentions so viewed him in a less than admirable light. Had we been given more insight into Duncan's psyche I think he would become much more agreeable, brave, and honorable. It is just that his actions are not aligned with the protagonist's, so we are not left with much to relate to.

I think Duncan is a fantastic character.