Mary Rowlandson

King Philip’s War Armed conflict between American Indians and colonists between 1675-78. American Indian leader (Wampanoag tribe) = Metacomet = King Phillip

Largest violent military campaign in New England in 1600s Resulted in death of 600 colonists and 3000 American Indians Twelve English towns were entirely destroyed; over 1200 houses were burned

Mainly viewed as a last-ditch effort by Wampanoags and other tribes to retain their lands and stop colonial expansion Also resulted in colonists developing an identity separate from England England did not help or assist in the war; colonists fought together and developed a “group identity” separate from England

Rowlandson was a housewife; married to the minister of Lancaster Captured by American Indians on February 20, 1676; spent over two months in captivity

“The account of her captivity became one of the most popular prose works of the seventeenth century, both in this country and in England. It combined high adventure, heroism, and exemplary piety and is the first and, in its narrative skill and delineation of character, the best of what have become popularly known as ‘Indian captivities.’”

Two focuses: Portrayal of “other” – savage, uncivilized Reliance on faith as source of comfort/inspiration