Mary Rowlandson

Definition

Mary Rowlandson was a colonial American woman known for her captivity narrative, 'The Sovereignty and Goodness of God,' published in 1682. Her work is one of the earliest examples of a captivity narrative in American literature, reflecting the Puritan mindset and the cultural tensions between Native Americans and English settlers during King Philip's War. Through her story, Rowlandson details her experiences during her eleven weeks of captivity and offers insights into the Puritan beliefs of providence and suffering.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mary Rowlandson's captivity narrative is often regarded as a key text in American literature, providing a unique perspective on early colonial life and interactions with Native Americans.
2. Rowlandson's account emphasizes her strong faith and belief in God's sovereignty, as she frequently interprets her suffering as part of a divine plan.
3. The narrative includes vivid descriptions of Native American life, as well as Rowlandson's complex feelings towards her captors, which reflect the ambivalence of colonial relationships.
4. Rowlandson was taken captive in 1676 during King Philip's War when her town was attacked, leading to her eventual release through ransom negotiations.
5. Her work not only influenced later captivity narratives but also contributed to the development of a distinctly American literary tradition that examines themes of identity, survival, and cultural conflict.

Review Questions

• How does Mary Rowlandson's narrative reflect the Puritan beliefs about providence and suffering?
  • Mary Rowlandson's narrative demonstrates Puritan beliefs through her interpretation of her captivity as a test of faith and a demonstration of God's will. She often frames her suffering in terms of divine providence, suggesting that her experience serves a higher purpose. This reflects the Puritan understanding that hardships are part of God's plan for personal growth and spiritual reflection, reinforcing their values of resilience and faith amidst adversity.
• Discuss the cultural tensions depicted in Mary Rowlandson's account between Native Americans and English settlers.
  • Mary Rowlandson's account highlights the complex cultural tensions between Native Americans and English settlers during a time of conflict. While she portrays her captors as both hostile and admirable, her narrative reveals deep-seated fears and prejudices held by colonists. Her ambivalence towards her captors showcases the dual nature of colonial perceptions, illustrating both the violence of conflict during King Philip's War and the complexities of human interaction across cultural divides.
• Analyze how Mary Rowlandson's narrative contributed to the genre of captivity narratives and its lasting impact on American literature.
  • Mary Rowlandson's narrative set a precedent for captivity narratives in American literature by blending personal trauma with broader cultural commentary. Her detailed recounting of her experiences not only captivated readers but also established thematic elements such as survival, faith, and cultural confrontation that would resonate in subsequent narratives. This genre would later evolve to address issues like identity and morality within the context of American expansion, thus influencing writers who followed in her footsteps and shaping the understanding of early American experiences.

Related terms

Captivity Narrative: A literary genre that recounts the experiences of individuals who have been captured by hostile groups, often reflecting themes of survival, faith, and cultural conflict.

Puritanism: A religious reform movement in the late 16th and 17th centuries that sought to purify the Church of England, characterized by a strict moral code and emphasis on personal piety.

King Philip's War: A conflict between Native American inhabitants of New England and English colonists from 1675 to 1678, resulting in significant loss of life and land for both sides.