mary rowlandson- narrative vs reality

Mary Rowlandson: Narrative vs. Reality Through out American history gender roles have been instilled in all societies; the belief that women are subordinate to men and are to be domesticated into the home receiving no education was the ordinance of most societies. The Puritan society of the 17th Century was one in particular that enforced and most importantly instilled these beliefs upon their women. These degrading expectations placed upon their women were extremely evident in …

…selflessness. It is true she didn’t always give credit to the Indians when it was due, but she also didn’t praise herself for what she survived through, the harsh environment, the foreign foods, and extreme traveling conditions. Mary Rowlandson tried to appear helpless, but all the while contradicting herself by being courageous and resourceful. It is a shame she had to appear incapable just to be a more capable woman of the time.