Re: Duncan's motive for the Lie

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: Yesterday Marcia said.... I guess we will have to agree to disagree on Duncan's motives for his lie. To me, when he looks at Cora, he is thinking, "Damn, I wish she weren't listening to what I'm about to do, but I must do it anyway, as it's in the best interests of the crown." That's how I see it, but you are certainly entitled to interpret his lie as you see it.

: I suspect a less noble motive, at least in part.His desire to ensure the Crown's interests were strong. But,I tend to think Duncan's reason for the lie had more to do with  personal pride than anything else. It was Hawkeye who challenged Duncan to back up the fact that a war party was attacking settlers. I think that the very capable Major Heyward was feeling a little inadequate after having to rely on Hawkeye and company to get them to the fort. Duncan was not used to relying on someone like Hawkeye, or worse yet in his mind, Indians. He was trying to establish his rank, show Hawkeye that he was the big shot now. 

: Duncan also may have wanted to ensure that Colonel Munro and Hawkeye would not become friendly. Hawkeye had just saved Cora and Alice's lives. Telling Munro what he wanted to hear, that the militia had no reason to leave, while Hawkeye was telling another story, set up an adversarial relationship between Hawkeye and the Colonel. Duncan already sensed the attraction between Cora and Hawkeye. Munro would be the best ally to thwart further development. The irony is that the lie ruined his chances with Cora.

: Kathy S 


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