1. Mary Rowlandson

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

3. 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 houses were burned

4. 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

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

6. “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.’”

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