Wyandotté (novel)

Wyandotté; or, The Hutted Knoll is an 1843 novel written by James Fenimore Cooper. It is part of Cooper's "Littlepage Manuscripts" series, which also includes Satanstoe and The Chainbearer. The novel is set in the Mohawk Valley of New York during the American Revolution. The plot revolves around the family of Judge Marmaduke Temple, a prominent landowner, and their struggles to defend their home, "The Hutted Knoll," against both Native American attacks and the machinations of land speculators. The novel explores themes of frontier life, social class, and the complexities of the American Revolution, particularly the divided loyalties of individuals and communities. A major aspect of the narrative also centers on the portrayal of Native Americans, specifically the character of Wyandotté, a Huron chief who is complexly depicted with both positive and negative qualities. The novel is known for its depiction of the frontier environment and its exploration of moral ambiguities during a period of great social and political upheaval.