The mood and direction is evident from the beginning of the Preface (most likely composed by Congregationalist Increase Mather), referring to Native Americans as "barbarous Salvages," while comparing the Puritans to "God's precious ones." Furthermore, the Preface attempts to presuppose a connection between Rowlandson's ordeal and the trials of Job in the Old Testament, which becomes a recurring theme throughout the narrative, as the Book of Job is quoted numerous times. The manner in which the Preface sets the foundation for the narrative is relevant not only from a religious perspective, but sociologically and politically as well, for no time is wasted defining the "good guys" and the "bad guys." Without a doubt, painting the Algonkains as "animals" and "savages" would certainly have made the average Puritan feel somewhat better regarding their political and moral dealings with the Native Americans. It is also interesting that Mather makes a point of stating that none should suspect ulterior motives for Rowlandson publishing her account, as "No serious spirit then (especially knowing any thing of this gentlewoman's piety) can
The mood and direction is evident from the beginning of the Preface (most likely composed by Congregationalist Increase Mather), referring to Native Americans as "barbarous Salvages," while comparing the Puritans to "God's precious ones." Furthermore, the Preface attempts to presuppose a connection between Rowlandson's ordeal and the trials of Job in the Old Testament, which becomes a recurring theme throughout the narrative, as the Book of Job is quoted numerous times. The manner in which the Preface sets the foundation for the narrative is relevant not only from a religious perspective, but sociologically and politically as well, for no time is wasted defining the "good guys" and the "bad guys." Without a doubt, painting the Algonkains as "animals" and "savages" would certainly have made the average Puritan feel somewhat better regarding their political and moral dealings with the Native Americans. It is also interesting that Mather makes a point of stating that none should suspect ulterior motives for Rowlandson publishing her account, as "No serious spirit then (especially knowing any thing of this gentlewoman's piety) can