Summary Of The Captivity And Restoration Of Mr. Mary Rowlandson

Captivity narratives are a genre of writing popular in colonial America for their ____ accounts of contact between European settlers and Native Americans on the American frontier. There are few captivity narratives recorded and due to the small quantity published, the works found are considered highly influential anomalies because they give firsthand insight into the unknown world of Native Indians in North America. The Soveraignty & Goodness of God: a Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson, written by herself is one of the earliest accounts of what it was like to live through Indian detainment. This document printed in 1682, was used to inform readers in Europe of the brusque, turbulent, and highly dangerous territory

Rowlandson’s dramatized account of her capture, enslavement, and eventual release not only served as a warning but it also fueled the justification of Westward expansion supported by the pertinent English colonial mentality that their doings were a service to the Native Americans. Mary Rowlandson’s captivity narrative shows a transformation, as she learns that her white status, financial class, and civilized ways are not dominant or respected ideals in her enemies’ territory; nonetheless, she adheres to her religious foundation and encourages her readers to hold onto God in times of turmoil because that is the only method for

She describes the Squaw as a “severe and proud Dame…bestowing every day in dressing herself near as much time as any of the Gentry of the land: powdering her hair and painting her face, going with Neck-laces, with jewels in her ears, and bracelets upon her hands.” Rowlandson notes that women of higher class, regardless of culture like to pamper themselves in order to show off their wealth and stature. Additionally, Rowlandson says that Wettimore too was influenced by monetary gain and increasing her own familial wealth. When another of Quannopin’s wives showed any sort of kindness or sympathy for the captive, Wettimore interfered and bestowed Rowlandson with slightly more privileges such as visiting her son for more time, or allowing her to sleep inside the wigwam. Rowlandson understood the proud woman’s actions to be for self-gain, “if she should let me go and serve with the old Squaw, she would be in danger to lose not only my service but the redemption-pay also.” Not only is Wettimore influenced by money and appearances, but having a good reputation amongst the other Indians was also extremely important as it created a class distinction between