The Redskins: Or, Indian and Injin, Being the Conclusion of the Littlepage Manuscripts: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Redskins: Or, Indian and Injin, Being the Conclusion of the Littlepage Manuscripts" is a narrative that explores themes of land rights and social conflict through the experiences of its central characters. The story follows Hugh Roger Littlepage, the heir to Ravensnest, and his uncle, Uncle Ro, as they navigate the threats posed by an anti-rentist group aiming to seize their estate. Disguised to infiltrate the situation, they receive assistance from a group of Indigenous allies, reflecting the complexities of relationships between different cultural groups during the period.
Key characters include Reverend Mr. Warren and his daughter Mary, who support Hugh in his quest to protect their home, highlighting the importance of community and alliances. The narrative also introduces Seneca Newcome, a demagogue leading the anti-rentist faction, and Tom Miller, a farmer opposing the anti-rentists, showcasing the tensions between those invested in land ownership and those seeking to challenge it. The presence of Susquesus, an Onondaga elder, underscores the role of Indigenous perspectives in the struggle for justice and rights. Through these characters, the tale examines themes of loyalty, social justice, and the impacts of greed and conflict on human relationships.
The Redskins: Or, Indian and Injin, Being the Conclusion of the Littlepage Manuscripts: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: James Fenimore Cooper
First published: 1846
Genre: Novel
Locale: Upstate New York
Plot: Historical
Time: 1842
Hugh Roger Littlepage, the narrator and heir to Ravensnest, and Hugh Roger Littlepage, called Uncle Ro, his uncle. While traveling abroad, they receive word that they are in danger of losing their estate, Ravensnest, which is threatened by a terrorist group of anti-rentist tenants greedy for land. Disguised as a watch peddler and an organ grinder, Hugh and Uncle Ro return to Ravensnest and assess the situation. With the help of a band of friendly Indians, they subdue the terrorists and see the rights of the landlords upheld by the Supreme Court.
The Reverend Mr. Warren, a clergyman living at Ravensnest. He is a friend and ally of Hugh Roger Littlepage and Uncle Ro.
Mary Warren, the daughter of the Reverend Mr. Warren. An ally of Hugh Roger Littlepage in his fight against the anti-rentists, she finally becomes his wife.
Seneca Newcome, a demagogue lawyer and the leader of the anti-rentist tenants at Ravensnest.
Tom Miller, a farmer who is hostile to the anti-rentist factions at Ravensnest.
Joshua Brigham, Tom Miller's greedy farmhand and an ally of Seneca Newcome.
Jack Dunning, Hugh Roger Littlepage's business agent.
Susquesus, an old Onondaga Indian living at Ravensnest. He is honored in a ceremony by a band of Indians from Washington who help subdue the anti-rentist terrorists at Ravensnest.
Jaap (Jaaf), an old black servant living at Ravensnest.
Patt Littlepage, Hugh Roger Littlepage's sister.
Mrs. Ursula Littlepage, Hugh Roger Littlepage's grandmother.
Opportunity Newcome, Seneca Newcome's sister and ally.
Hall, a mechanic hostile to the anti-rentist faction at Ravensnest.
Henrietta Coldbrook and Anne Marston, wards of Uncle Ro.