D.H. Lawrence on James Fenimore Cooper: The 'Leatherstocking' Novels as American Myth

D.H. Lawrence believed that James Fenimore Cooper's 'Leatherstocking' novels were the myth of America because they portrayed the American wilderness and its natural beauty as a symbol of freedom, hope, and opportunity. According to Lawrence, these novels were not just stories, but they represented the American identity and the American Dream.

Cooper is called a mythic writer because his novels contain larger-than-life characters, heroic actions, and grand themes that touch on the fundamental aspects of American society. His writing style and his characters reflect the ideals of American individualism, self-reliance, and the pioneering spirit of exploration. Cooper's works also contain archetypal characters and themes that resonate with readers on a deep, subconscious level, making him a mythic writer.