Approaches to Teaching the Novels of James Fenimore Cooper

James Fenimore Cooper was a cosmopolitan author who was deeply concerned with the America of his day and its history, and his works embrace themes that have dominated American literature since. This volume of essays offers students bridges to his novels, engaging with film adaptations, cross-culturalism, animal studies, media history, environmentalism, and Indigenous American poetics, to bring these novels to life in the classroom.

Format: Hardback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2022
Publisher: Modern Language Association of America

James Fenimore Cooper, a cosmopolitan author who resided in Europe for nearly a decade and possessed a profound knowledge of the works of his British and French contemporaries, also held a deep interest in the America of his time and its rich history. His literary creations encompassed a wide range of themes that have remained prominent in American literature throughout the years, including the frontier, the oppressive treatment of Native Americans by European colonizers, issues of race, gender, and class, and the rugged individualism exemplified by figures such as pirates, spies, hunters, and settlers. Among his most unforgettable characters, Natty Bumppo, has firmly established itself in American popular culture.

The essays included in this volume serve as valuable resources for students seeking to gain deeper insights into Cooper's novels. By engaging with film adaptations, cross-culturalism, animal studies, media history, environmentalism, and Indigenous American poetics, the essays offer innovative approaches to bringing these novels to life in the classroom. Through their analysis, students will be able to explore the enduring moral dilemmas and complex themes that resonate with contemporary society, making Cooper's works an essential part of their literary education.

In conclusion, James Fenimore Cooper's novels remain a testament to his profound understanding of the American experience and his contribution to the development of American literature. By exploring the themes and characters in his works, students can gain valuable insights into the complexities of human nature, the challenges of social justice, and the enduring power of storytelling. Through the essays in this volume, students will be able to engage with these novels in new and exciting ways, enriching their understanding of American literature and its global impact.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781603294201