Themes and Techniques
Like Cooper’s other Leather-Stocking Tales, The Pioneers belongs to the genre of historical romance. It is “historical” in the sense that it is set in a previous time period, in this case one that precedes the publication date by some 30 years. It is a “romance” because, rather than try to present a detailed and realistic picture of people and places, it borrows from the realm of fancy. Natty Bumppo is an idealized man, one whose nobility of character and physical prowess make him larger than life, much like King Arthur and other literary figures who may have helped inspire Cooper’s creation of him. Cooper’s dialogue, furthermore, is at times unrealistic; for example, Elizabeth seems to demonstrate remarkable aplomb and dignity when, threatened by a forest fire, she says: “Let us endeavor to retire” (411).