Rowlandson's Survival and Belief

The Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson was a good read for me, particularly for my interest in survival psychology. I think it is interesting to understand how people react in life or death situations as well as why they react how they do. Rowlandson’s writing was full of emotion. This emotion captivates the reader and puts them inside Rowlandson’ situation. Many of Rowlandson’s mental processes centered on faith as she was captured and restored. I feel that without her devote faith and patience; her strength would fall short of what was needed to survive.

            It is interesting to note how vivid Rowlandson’s description of the initial attack is. She seems to remember the number of people that were taken from houses, who was afflicted, as well as many other specific events. Some people cannot even recall the events of traumatic situations because they are so flustered and in shock. Rowlandson then quickly turns to her faith for support as everyone around her is being killed. This spiritual response seems normal for early English settlers because of how rooted they are in their faith. They are conditioned to turn to faith in times of trouble because that is what they have been taught and believe. However, Rowlandson previously claimed that she would rather be killed by the Indians than be taken alive. She notes that her mind quickly changed in the moment when the Indians where taking her. It is amazing how the mind wants the body to stay alive and will do whatever necessary to do so.   

As Rowlandson continues her survival throughout the remove, she continues to stay founded in her faith. Rowlandson’s hope grew weak when she was not allowed to see her sister because one of the Indians would not allow it. This hope was soon restored when she found out that the same Indian was soon hanged in Boston. Rowlandson took this positive event as a sign from God and that he was still watching over her. Whether one might believe this to be true or not, it was very important for Rowlandson’s strength during her captivation. When one is put in extreme conditions to survive, it is paramount that hope is maintained. Rowlandson’s hope continued to be maintained through her faith.

            Rowlandson also describes how God “strengthened them (the Indians) to be a scourge to his people.” The Indians knew that the English army was upon them and survival instincts arose in them when food was scarce. Rowlandson describes the Indians eating old bones filled with worms and anything from birds to frogs. The Indians knew they had to eat to survive and continue moving forward or their lives would be in jeopardy too.

            When Rowlandson is finally restored, she does not deviate from her beliefs at all. She happily praises God and quotes scripture in thanksgiving. Many people have a strong faith when hard times come. They quickly look to God for help and restoration. However, when the storm passes we are not as faithful and live relatively independent of God only until the next storm arises. Rowlandson knew that Christ was her rock and this positive mentality carried her through the captivation with the Indians. I feel that having a strong belief in something is vital for surviving hard times. Lance Armstrong does not claim to be religious but found the strength do deal with cancer through family and personal mental vigor. After reading Rowlandson piece I wonder how I would have reacted in her situation and what would have been my strong hold. I can only hope that I would have emulated her behaviors.