Abstract EN:

There are very few representations of that first american here, the mountain man, in the american western novel, itself eften deemed a minor genre. The aim of this research is to rediscover and rehabilitate beth character and genre through the study of a sampling of representative novels. This study uncovers a fundamental centradiction which signals a deep problem concerning the american identitythe rocky moutains trapper is indeed invested with the very features of the legendary here with his stature, his mode of living as well as his environment and larger-than-life achievements. And yet, modern western authors have shown a tendency to cast a dimmer light upon the epic quality of the mountain man, apparently in the hope to reinstate him within a moral frame in which american values would remain unquestioned. Thus, to the detriment of a somewhat disturbing reality that of the white indian the representation of the pioneer as a mythmaker and nationfounder must rest upon the virtues of courage and selfreliance, but always within the boudaries of honor and obediance to the law, while celebrating the victory of the civilized world upon the wilderness.