The Trapper's Son

by William Henry Giles Kingston

"The Trapper's Son" by W.H.G. Kingston is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The story is set in the wilderness of North America during a time when Indigenous tribes still roamed the land. It follows the journey of Michael Moggs, an old trapper, and his son Laurence as they navigate the challenges of survival, including the loss of their horses and the quest for a nearby fort. The narrative also delves into Laurence's upbringing and the exploration of faith as he encounters Christian principles for the first time. The opening of the novel introduces readers to a vivid wilderness setting where Michael and Laurence are preparing for winter. After discovering that their horses have been killed—presumably by wolves or Indigenous people—the duo must regroup and carry their collected furs on foot to the fort. The text illustrates the relationship between the old trapper and his son, highlighting Laurence's mixed heritage and ignorance of Christian beliefs, alongside his longings for a different life beyond their current existence. As the narrative unfolds, it sets the stage for Laurence's conflict between two cultures and the potential for his spiritual awakening through the experiences they encounter along their journey.