Mary Rowlandson
Mary Rowlandson was a colonial American woman known for her survival of a Native American captivity during King Philip’s War (1675-1678) and for writing about her experiences in a best-selling book, A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson. Her account provides a first-hand perspective on the conflicts between European colonizers and Native Americans in 17th-century New England.
Early Life
Mary Rowlandson was born around 1637 to Joseph and Sarah White, who had emigrated from Suffolk, England to Weymouth, Massachusetts. She married Joseph Rowlandson in 1660 and they had three children together. The family lived on a farm near Lancaster, Massachusetts, which was a hub of colonial activity.
Captivity
In February 1675, King Philip’s War broke out between the English colonists and the Wampanoag tribe, led by Metacomet (also known as King Philip). Mary Rowlandson’s husband, Joseph, was killed in an attack on Lancaster by Wampanoag warriors. She, her children, and other survivors were taken captive by the Native Americans.
Mary spent 11 months in captivity, during which she witnessed the deaths of many people, including some of her own family members. Her experiences included being sold to different tribes, living in harsh conditions, and facing physical and emotional abuse.
Narrative
Upon her release in January 1676, Mary Rowlandson wrote A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson. The book became a best-seller in England and helped to shape public opinion about King Philip’s War. Her narrative emphasized the “barbarism” of the Native Americans and portrayed them as cruel and ruthless.
Context and Impact
Mary Rowlandson’s story has been subject to various interpretations. Some historians argue that her account perpetuated negative stereotypes about Native Americans, contributing to ongoing conflicts between European colonizers and indigenous peoples. Others view her narrative as a valuable resource for understanding the experiences of women during this period.
The publication of Mary Rowlandson’s book also had significant cultural impact. It was one of the first books written by an American woman to gain widespread recognition in England. Her writing style, which blended Puritanism with personal reflection, influenced later writers and helped establish a new genre of captivity narratives.
Conclusion
Mary Rowlandson’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and cruelties of colonial history. As a prominent example of a captivity narrative, her book continues to be studied by scholars today for its insight into the lives of early American colonizers and their interactions with Native Americans. While her account has been subject to various criticisms and interpretations, it remains an important part of American literary and historical heritage.