Some individuals believe that literature has no impact on their daily lives, but this is as true as the saying: "pigs can fly." The written accounts of our early ancestors are a part of who we are today, and it is important that we reflect upon their experiences.
Mary Rowlandson lived through King Phillip's war that took place in the years of 1675-1676, which concerned the colonists and the American Indians. The Wampaneag Indians took her and her children captive. While a prisoner, Mary Rowlandson traveled some 150 miles, from Lancaster to Menamaset then north to Northfield and across the Connecticut River to meet with King Philip/Metacomet himself, sachem of the Wampaneags. Next she traveled up into southwestern New Hampshire, south to Menamaset, and north to Mount Wachusett. Rowlandson, being a puritan, believed everything was part of God's great plan. Her words imitate this most when she states, "His Blessed Will" referring to her kidnapping (Rowlandson p.41). Rowlandson believed her abduction was part of God's great picture. .
What are we able to acquire from the knowledge of Mary Rowlandson masterpieces in our daily lives? We become skilled to have hope, and to keep/have faith in God and his intention. We also realize it is vital to have confidence in "His Will." We also discover it is essential to rely on our own spirit and strength to get us through demanding times. Another great author, William Bradford, had a similar take on colonial life.
William Bradford was a puritan whom lived from 1590-1657. He was the son of a prosperous farmer in Yorkshire, England. Bradford was to grow to be a successful Colonial governor in America, but he instead aliened with a group of Nonconformists whom in 1606 organized as an independent Congregational church. It was illegal for Nonconformists to worship in public, so the group had to study in a private house in the nearby town of Scrooby. Bradford sought to be a leader.
