(from "Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offenses" by Mark Twain) According to the author, which is Fenimore Cooper's greatest failing as a writer?
1. He repeatedly uses the same contrivaites.
2. He lacks understanding of his subject.
3. His titles are misleading and ambiguous.
4. His heroes never prevail and are boring,

2. He lacks understanding of his subject.

Explanation:

"Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offenses" by Mark Twain, presents a long list of offenses committed by Fenimore Cooper in his literary works. One factor that Mark Twain was most critical of was the fact that Cooper lacked a proper understanding of his subjects. This resulted in him having many characters in misplaced roles or contriving situations that just did not make sense. An example, is his criticism of the role the veteran Scotch Commander played when he was assigned the role of a 'melodramatic actor'.

Cooper also had a penchant for missing important points. For example, he forgot to tell his readers the color of a paint in one of the scenes.

a, a knight