The Huron
The image of the Huron is the most vivid and exceptional one in the story. His extraordinary behavior, which is represented by his simple view on everything, is sharply opposed to all the other characters of the story. All the abbots, judges, soldiers, and royal officials are bright social types of people, while the Huron is the embodiment of human nature, not perverted and spoiled by awful social relationships.
Civilized vs. Savage
When in prison, the Huron ponders destiny and society, and many other things of great significance. He comes to comparing his countrymen in America, who are considered barbarians and savages, with Frenchmen, who are considered civilized people carrying enlightenment and common sense. But he states that his “countrymen in America would never have treated me with the barbarity that I have here experienced; they have not the least idea of it. They are called savages;—they are good people, but rustic, and the men of this country are refined villains.” This image contrasts the Huron and the French, and helps to highlight all the vices of French society at the time.
