MARY ROWLAND’S NARRATIVE OF CAPTIVITY AND RESTORATION

MARY ROWLAND’S NARRATIVE OF CAPTIVITY AND RESTORATION

Question #1

            Rowlandson recounts several events of her captivity in a dynamic and homely style by combining direct and straightforward expressions. Conversely, Rowlandson’s style appears more elevated as she employed some metaphors and quotations, which further conveys her meaning.

Question #2

            Rowlandson sees American Indians as savages, thus feeling hostile towards them. Yet, she also sees kindness and understanding in them. Rowlandson saw the American Indians as hostile people due to the lack of care to her children and her denial of adequate food for her family and friends. Hence, she could not hesitate to call them “Heathen” and “Beast” (Rowlandson,2013, p 258). On the other hand, she sees American Indians act of kindness through their hospitality, which is seen when King Phillip gives her some water for washing hands, blankets, and food supplies.

Question #3 

            The identity of Rowlandson played a fundamental role against her alleged lowliness and humanity of the Native Americans. In this case, Rowlandson never considered herself as an American. This is because she thought relating herself to being American could form a connection to the land, which was inhabited by people whom she deemed as inferior. Rowlandson’s perception does not change in the course of the narrative. Rowlandson continuously identifies herself as an English woman who lived in the American territory and further disregarded the American Identity.

Question #4

            Rowlandson use of biblical allusions helped the readers to have imagery power and further stresses the providence of God. However, the faith of Rowlandson is the only aspect that helps her to persevere through the harsh treatments of being a captive.

Question #5

            Rowlandson described her abductors as savages and further used some harsh words such as “Beasts” and “Heathen.” However, such words cannot be viewed as history. This is because Rowlandson’s story is based on the life realities experienced in a foreign land. A historian should not be focused on expressing harsh emotions towards a foreign society.

Bibliography

Rowlandson, M.., 2013. A Narrative Of The Captivity And Restoration Of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson. 8th ed. New York: W. W. Norton,: The Norton Anthology of American Literature, pp.257–288.