Discussion Question #5 of 13
What kind of a character is Will Cooper? Does he strike you as the classic hero of an American Western? Does he bring to mind any historical or literary characters you're already familiar with?
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the countywide reading program
www.gwinnettreads.org
ABOUT GWINNETT READS
Gwinnett Reads invites Gwinnett County citizens to share the experience of reading the same book. Gwinnett County Public Library and local partners seek to engage the community in the joys of reading and to generate discussion throughout Gwinnett.
For more information on Gwinnett Reads programming, please call 770-978-5154 or visit http://www.gwinnettreads.org/.
For more information on Gwinnett Reads programming, please call 770-978-5154 or visit http://www.gwinnettreads.org/.
LINKS
- Frazier caps off Gwinnett Reads
- Gwinnett Reads programs begin July 1 at county libraries
- 'Thirteen Moons' book review at Accent Gwinnett
- Author Charles Frazier brings Indian culture to life
- Cherokee Music, Dance and Crafts on Duluth Town Green
- Library lands Charles Frazier for "Summer Reads" program
- 'Cold Mountain' author to speak at Gwinnett Reads
- This Land Is Your Land - Newsweek interview w/ Charles Frazier
1 comment:
The greatest thing about Will Cooper in George Frazer’s Thirteen Moons is that he is a realistic, very human character that experienced life with similar, if not the same, highs and pitfalls that many of us can relate to. For example, he became a successful businessman yet he, like many people today, endured the harassment from not having the funds that he dedicated himself to. The way that he dealt with Claire—with ignorance and ideals—also showed his humanity. He was not a hero nor did Frazer attempt to portray him this way. He was an orphan that tried to live the best life that he could in the time that he had on earth.
He does not strike man as a hero of the American West, but he is a great man that was able to balance selfishness and altruism. He slept with Featherstone’s wife (and actively tried to get her once he had lost her) and he work diligently to protect the rights of the Cherokee people when he, like many wealthy white men at the time, could have forsaken them for personal gain.
The funniest thing about Will Cooper is that I would compare him to the legend featured in the book—Davy Crockett. It was not because their lives were so similar but because neither is painted as an angel or a demon. Again, both have very human qualities; they are flawed. Those flaws are partially what made Crockett so appealing. They are what make Will one of my favorite literary characters. It is his honesty about others, himself, and the world that makes him relatable.
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