Drums Along the Mohawk: Analysis of Major Characters
"Drums Along the Mohawk: Analysis of Major Characters" examines the complex relationships and moral struggles faced by a diverse cast of characters during the American Revolutionary War in the Mohawk Valley. The protagonist, Gil Martin, embodies the spirit of resilience as he strives to establish a stable home amidst the chaos of conflict. His wife, Lana, navigates the challenges of motherhood and loss while supporting her husband through their trials. The narrative also introduces figures like Mark Demooth, a proud militia captain, and Joseph Brant, an Indian chief who complicates the allegiances of the time.
Other characters, such as the friendly Oneida scout Blue Back and Captain Barnabas McKlennar's widow, Sarah, highlight the varied perspectives of those affected by the war, including both settlers and Indigenous peoples. As the story unfolds, interactions among these characters reveal themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the harsh realities of survival. The interplay between personal and political conflicts captures the nuanced experiences of individuals caught in a tumultuous historical moment. This analysis invites readers to explore the depths of human struggle and community amid the backdrop of revolutionary fervor.
Drums Along the Mohawk: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Walter D. Edmonds
First published: 1936
Genre: Novel
Locale: Mohawk Valley
Plot: Historical
Time: 1775–1783
Gilbert (Gil) Martin, a young pioneer, a hard worker ambitious to have a place of his own at Deerfield and willing to continue fighting after each defeat. Seneca Indians burn his first home, and he is wounded in the ambushing of General Herkimer's militia. He works on the land and fights when needed, until the valley is at last safe and he is able to return with his family to Deerfield.
Magdelana (Lana) Borst Martin, his pretty wife. She loses her first baby after the flight from Deerfield to Fort Schuyler but bears a boy, Gilly, the following spring and another boy, Joey, in August of the next year. Recovery from this birth is prolonged, but by the end of the war, she has a baby girl to take to Deerfield with her husband and boys.
Mark Demooth, a captain of the militia, a small, slightly built man rather proud of himself.
John Wolff, a Tory convicted of aiding the British and sent to prison; he later escapes to Canada.
Blue Back, a friendly old Oneida Indian, dirty and paunchy, who likes Gil. He warns the Deerfield residents of a planned raid and later serves as scout and guide for the militia. His young Indian wife is proud of his fertility despite his age.
Mrs. Sarah McKlennar, Captain Barnabas McKlennar's widow, for whom Gil works as a hired hand. Her home is burned by two drunken Indians who take her bed out for her while the fire is burning.
Joseph Brant, an Indian chief who refuses to pledge neutrality in the war.
General Benedict Arnold, General Herkimer's successor, appointed to reorganize the patriot army and lead it against St. Leger's camp.
Jurry McLonis, a Tory who seduces Nancy Schuyler.
Nancy Schuyler, Mrs. Demooth's maid, who bears Jurry's child and is taken by an Indian as his wife.
Hon Yost, Nancy's brother, another Tory who, when arrested, promises to spread in the British camp false reports of American strength.
Clem Coppernol, The Weavers, and The Realls, neighbors who help with the Deerfield log-rolling that is interrupted by the Seneca raid.
Mrs. Wolff, John's wife, reported missing after the Seneca raid.
General Nicholas Herkimer, commander of the Mohawk Valley patriots; he is mortally wounded when his men are ambushed and routed.
General Barry St. Leger, British general who leads a combined force of British and Indians against the patriots.
General Butler, British leader of a group of raiding and pillaging parties; he is finally killed and his army routed.
Mrs. Demooth, a snobbish woman who so torments and frightens Nancy about her pregnancy that she leaves. Mrs. Demooth later loses her mind.
Colonel Van Schaick, leader of an attack against the Onondaga towns.
Adam Helmer and Joe Boleo, two scouts who help Gil build a cabin after Mrs. McKlennar's house is burned.
Lt. Colonel Marinus Willett, leader of an army that pursues and attacks Butler's army, killing him and scattering his men in the wilderness.