THE IMPACTS OF MODERNIZATION ON ECONOMICAL LIFE OF THE INDIANS: A STUDY ON JAMES FENIMORE COOPER’S THE PRAIRE
ABSTRACT: This research is
primarily aimed at revealing the impacts of modernization on economical life of
the Indians in Cooper’s The Prairie. The study uses interdisciplinary approach,
which involves economical, historical, cultural, and ecological approaches,
besides mimetic approach. The analysis shows that modernization does not only
cause positive impacts but also negative impacts, which are stronger. The bad
impacts include monopoly, human and cultural conflict, poverty, disharmony,
social injustice of mixed marriage, greediness, kidnapping, law breaking,
materialistic life, adultery, divorce, and less religiosity. The positive
impacts include independence, adaptation, rationality, and efficiency. The
problems appear in the novel reflect the inner conflict of the author (Cooper
himself).He questions the ideas of modernization brought by immigrants on the
Indian land. To him, modernizationcan only be enjoyed by the upper class of the
society. It cannot meet the necessity of the traditional people. The Indians
loose some benefits because of the settlement of the immigrants in their land.
Author: Suparman
Journal Code: jpantropologigg070002
