Mary Rowlandson's Email & Phone Number

📖 Summary

Mary Rowlandson was a remarkable woman of her time, known for her compelling narrative of her captivity by Native Americans during King Philip's War in 1675. Born in Somerset, England in 1637, Rowlandson immigrated to the Massachusetts Bay Colony with her family in 1639. She was the daughter of John White, a wealthy, well-respected landowner and merchant in the colonial era. She married the Reverend Joseph Rowlandson in 1656, and they had four children together.

Rowlandson's life took a tragic turn on February 10, 1676, when her town of Lancaster, Massachusetts was attacked by Native American warriors allied with King Philip, or Metacom as he was known to the Wampanoag people. Rowlandson was taken captive by the Nipmuck tribe, and her harrowing experience during her eleven-week captivity is chronicled in her famous book, "The Sovereignty and Goodness of God: Being a Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson."

The book, first published in 1682, is one of the earliest examples of American captivity literature and provides a rare firsthand account of life among Native Americans during the 17th century. Rowlandson's narrative is not only a captivating adventure story, but it also provides valuable insight into the complex relationships between Native Americans and European settlers, as well as the role of religion and spirituality in the lives of both cultures.

In her narrative, Rowlandson describes the physical and emotional hardships she endured during her captivity, including hunger, sickness, and the loss of loved ones. She also reflects on her own spiritual journey and the ways in which her faith sustained her during this difficult time. This emphasis on faith and God's providence is a recurring theme throughout her narrative and reveals the deeply held religious beliefs of the Puritan colonists.

Rowlandson's book was a popular sensation in its time, and it continues to be studied and admired by scholars and readers alike. In addition to its historical significance, "The Sovereignty and Goodness of God" also stands as a powerful testament to the resilience and endurance of the human spirit. Rowlandson's ability to survive and ultimately thrive in the face of such adversity is a testament to her strength and courage.

In addition to her narrative, Rowlandson also wrote several other works, including "A Narrative of the Town of Lancaster" and "A Brand Plucked from the Burning," both of which were published posthumously. These works offer further insight into Rowlandson's life and experiences, as well as her perspective on the tumultuous events of her time.

Mary Rowlandson passed away in 1711, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and perseverance that continues to inspire readers to this day. Her narrative remains an important historical document that offers a unique perspective on the early interactions between Native Americans and European settlers in colonial America. Rowlandson's courage and tenacity in the face of incredible adversity make her a figure worth remembering and celebrating, and her narrative continues to captivate and educate readers more than three centuries after its initial publication.