The Lake Gun by James Fenimore Cooper

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Author Cooper, James Fenimore, 1789-1851
Title The Lake Gun
Note Reading ease score: 74.2 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
Credits Produced by Hugh C. MacDougall. HTML version by Al Haines.
Summary "The Lake Gun" by James Fenimore Cooper is a short story written in the mid-19th century, specifically around the time of the American political landscape shift in the 1850s. The narrative combines elements of folklore and political satire to explore themes of demagoguery and the impact of unscrupulous politicians on society. Set against the backdrop of Seneca Lake in New York, the story intertwines local legends and the character of the "Wandering Jew" with a critique of American political figures, particularly focusing on the then Whig Senator, William Henry Seward. In the story, a traveler named Fuller seeks to unravel the mysteries surrounding the legendary "Wandering Jew" and the explosive sound known as the "Lake Gun." He enlists the help of an old local mariner named Peter and a young Seneca Indian who shares the lore of his people. As they journey around the lake, the young Indian recounts the tale of a demagogue named See-wise, whose pride and disobedience led to his punishment of floating on the lake for eternity. The narrative serves as a poignant allegory about the consequences of political ambition and false promises, illustrating how those who mislead the public ultimately answer to a higher moral authority. Through the story’s conclusion, Cooper emphasizes the importance of adhering to wisdom and tradition over populism and sensationalism. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature
Subject Curiosities and wonders -- Fiction
Subject Seneca Lake (N.Y.) -- Fiction
Category Text
EBook-No. 2328
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Dec 31, 2020
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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