Originally Posted by Karen 5th October 2006


Aside from learning that Samarin was the Mohican, what else did we learn about Mutz in the Chapter "At Mutz's Execution"?

Nurseanne8


Mutz is shrewd and quick-witted-while waiting to be excuted by the Red commander-he brilliantly requested as his last wish a taste of snow which interrupted the concentration of the exhausted Red commander. Mutz negotiated a deal with the Red commander by pointing that if they did not attack Yazky the lives of many Red soliders and munitions would be saved and he would turn over Matula in exchange for the life of himself and and Nekovar. We learn of Mutz's compassion as Meek describes some of his thoughts before his pending execution-he realizes the reasons for his contempt of Balashov and jealous anger towards Anna were the result of guilt, religion and self-hatred the "demons" of war (323) and resolved that if he lived he would work to reunite Anna and Balashov. Mutz also knows the ways to charm a woman-he relates the secrets of successful communication to Nekovar-who apparently had dismal relationships with women. Meek also illustrates the humanity of Mutz-when he describes the uneasy feelings he feels when Nekovar calls him "brother" and how those feelings are resolved when Mutz admits to a kinship with Nekovar at the end of their ordeal with the Red army.

Karen


That's something I hadn't thought of, that Mutz was a charmer!!!

Herestoyou


I can't really add any to what's been said. In this chapter I really viewed Mutz as the most honorable character in the story. He is so concerned for his men, Anna, etc. and he is very clever in finding a way to get out of their execution.