In Hope Leslie, Magawisca is shown to be a proud, compassionate and brave woman who is willing to risk her life for what she believes in. Her pride is displayed in her meeting with Hope in the graveyard. After Hope balks at the thought of Faith married to an Indian, Magawisca gives a look of "proud contempt, that showed she reciprocated with full measure the scorn expressed for her race." (p. 196) She then goes on to ridicule Hope, sarcastically suggesting that Faith's blood will be corrupted. However, she soon calms down and offers Hope her sympathy, showing that she is capable of compassion. During her father's attack on Bethel, she begs him to spare the lives of Mrs. Fletcher and the children, telling her father that, "they have spread the wing of love over us - save them"(p.65). Despite having lived as a servant for the family, Magawisca is aware of the love that has been shown to them and begs for their safety, even commiserating with them at one point, shouting, "I bleed when they are struck"(p. 65). Magawisca also displays a great deal of bravery in attempting to help Everell escape captivity. First she wakes him in the middle of the night so that he might flee. However, when that fails and Everell is faced with execution, she "[interposes] her arm" (p. 97) between the axe and Everell, causing her arm to be severed. We see that she is willing to risk bodily harm and even death to save his life. Through all of this, she shows that she is willing to resist aspects of her culture and upbringing.
Hope Leslie also shows this trait throughout the novel. Despite being raised in a strict, Puritan society, she proves herself open minded and willing to buck societal norms, as well as being both morally courageous and fearless. When sitting down to a Saturday night service, Hope does not hide the fact that she thinks it is a tedious enterprise, stating of the minister, "he always talks of eternity till he forgets time." (p. 171). Shortly after the service ends, she attempts to leave quickly, but is criticized by her aunt for acting, "very undignified, and very unladylike, and very unbecoming...it is untoward and unforward..."(p.174). Despite this rebuke, Hope continues to stride ahead at her own pace. Hope's moral courage shines through brightest when she saves Nelema from what is likely certain death. Despite being a "bold, dangerous, and unlawful interposition"(p.124), Hope "took counsel only from her own heart...[which] told her that the rights of innocence were paramount to all other rights..."(p.124). As for the danger that such an action posed to her, "she did not weigh it - she did not think of it."(p.124).
When these two women are compared to, say, Alice from The Last of the Mohicans, it becomes obvious how much more progressive and noble these characters are. While they are actively and consciously affect the events around them, Alice sits back in the role of Damsel in Distress and waits to be rescued.
Hope Leslie also shows this trait throughout the novel. Despite being raised in a strict, Puritan society, she proves herself open minded and willing to buck societal norms, as well as being both morally courageous and fearless. When sitting down to a Saturday night service, Hope does not hide the fact that she thinks it is a tedious enterprise, stating of the minister, "he always talks of eternity till he forgets time." (p. 171). Shortly after the service ends, she attempts to leave quickly, but is criticized by her aunt for acting, "very undignified, and very unladylike, and very unbecoming...it is untoward and unforward..."(p.174). Despite this rebuke, Hope continues to stride ahead at her own pace. Hope's moral courage shines through brightest when she saves Nelema from what is likely certain death. Despite being a "bold, dangerous, and unlawful interposition"(p.124), Hope "took counsel only from her own heart...[which] told her that the rights of innocence were paramount to all other rights..."(p.124). As for the danger that such an action posed to her, "she did not weigh it - she did not think of it."(p.124).
When these two women are compared to, say, Alice from The Last of the Mohicans, it becomes obvious how much more progressive and noble these characters are. While they are actively and consciously affect the events around them, Alice sits back in the role of Damsel in Distress and waits to be rescued.
Can't argue with your points; good observations and even treatment.
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