Comparison of Captivity Narratives

Similarities & Differences between Captivity Narratives of Mary Rowlandson & John Smith

- - - Battling forces of nature
- Relations with Indians
- Food
- Tribal customs
- Difficulties
- Attitudes toward hardship/Indians
- Religion
- Gender
- Survival techniques
- Reasons for capture: Replacement vs. Ransom
- Attitude due to reason for capture
- Attitude toward Indians and captivity experience
- Time period
- Age
- Time spent with captors…3 months vs. 4 years
- Different kinds of Indians

p. 57
p. 58 Christianity
p. 59 free man
p. 47-48

Captivity Narrative: Mary Rowlandson

• Separation – from her culture
• Transformation – reduced to a bestial level, filthy trash, relationship with God changes
• Return – what is she like after? Is she more assertive?

Captivity Narrative: John Smith

• Separation – from his culture
• Transformation – dramatic change in looks, attitude toward Indians, ignorance toward nature
• Return – Looked like an Indian, walked like an Indian, but still has revenge later on—an American, no longer an Englishman. Red Rover—early settlers need to be strong enough to burst through Indians.