by Lisa Rosenkranz

Created on: December 16, 2010   Last Updated: December 24, 2010

Mary Rowlandson’s Puritan beliefs gave her every attribute needed to endure her captivity in wilderness among the savages, and without these deeply ingrained beliefs Rowlandson may not have been able to have emerged from this experience as she did. A woman of today’s standards may not have emerged at all.  During her trials her faith never wavered and her piety remained dutifully intact.   The strict Puritan beliefs made Rowlandson almost impervious to her hardships. 

Upon her release, she wrote A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mary Rowlandson, which hold numerous examples of her unshakable faith and how she believes it continually reaffirmed. Her chosen title is evident that Rowlandson sees herself as completely restored from her situation.  The lasting affects of her captivity could not be detrimental if a restoration has occurred.  However throughout her narrative she recalls many moments of depression and sadness. 

Before we examine the events of Rowlandson’s horrific capture and enslavement, we must understand the faith of the Puritan people and how religion plays an important role in an individual’s psychological response to emotion. 

The Puritan beliefs are deeply founded on a covenant with God that is based on Divine Providence.  Within this covenant, God will protect his chosen people. (Gleason)   The Puritan believed in the simplicity of worship, a humble life, obedience to God, and God’s supreme power over human life.  Puritan family life also emphasizes an affectionate dis-attachment when children reached a certain age in order to prepare them for conversion.

Religion can be essential in finding solace.  Data has suggested that religious practices contribute to health and well being.  It lessens the effects of grief and trauma, providing people with a sense of being and direction that people without religion often times lack in their character.

On February 10th 1675, Mary Rowlandson’s town, Lancaster Massachusetts, was attacked by a tribe of Wampanoag Indians.  Rowland saw her friends and family brutally slain, and watched the village she grew up in burn to the ground.  Amid the chaos she was captured, as her children were dragged away in another direction.  Her graphic portrayal is riveting and is just as griping as it was when it was first published.

After seeing her sister, brother-in-law, and friends murdered

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