Natty Bumppo, aka Trapper, is coming to the end of his life. But he's satisfied at least that he will leave this earth on the prairies, his spiritual home, many miles from civilization and surrounded by his friends. Throughout his long and eventful life, Trapper has vigorously asserted his independence and autonomy, whether from law, politics, or the restrictions of family life. And virtually his last breath represents a final escape, not just from the mortal world, but from civilization.
It is suggested that Trapper's body should be buried next to where his father is buried, near the sea. But Trapper is adamant that the "bones of his son will whiten on the prairies." His epic Western journey was all about preserving his freedom, and he intends to preserve that freedom in death as well as in life. So Trapper will be buried where he falls—on the prairies:
Let me sleep where I have lived—beyond the din of the settlements!
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