The Captivity Narrative

ENGL 2131

Fall 2018

Dr. Rogers

Topic for Critical Essay 1, due in D2L Sept. 18 by 5:00 PM

Background: The Captivity Narrative

The captivity narrative is a uniquely American literary genre. It chronicles the adventures of European settlers who are captured by Native Americans and are eventually released. The captivity narrative is a story of cultural contact and clash, in which the European captive’s world view and sense of identity are challenged by immersion in the Native American culture. The basic elements of a captivity narrative are as follows:

· The main character is taken away from a relatively safe or familiar environment by Native Americans

· The main character suffers trials and tribulations, sometimes torture, at the hands of his or her captors.

· The character develops strategies for survival and for maintaining his or her sense of identity among these alien beings.

· The main character escapes or is ransomed and returns to his or her community

Topic: Compare and contrast John Smith’s narrative of being captured by Powhatan (excerpt from The General History of Virginia, New England, and the Summer Isles, NAAL, pp. 56-65) with the Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson, NAAL, pp. 132-151. Pay special attention to the way each writer depicts the Native Americans. What language do they use to describe them? Does either writer’s attitude to them change at all? If so, in what way? If not, why not? Discuss the significance of your observations in 750-1000 words. Use MLA citation style to cite your sources, and include a Works Cited list.