Flight Of The Sparrow: A Novel of Early America

Read Mary Rowlandson’s historical memoir. How does her account differ from the events portrayed in the novel? How is it similar?

In the novel, how are English enslavement, Indigenous American enslavement, and indentured servitude similar? How do they differ? How do narrative depictions of these three forms of bondage contribute to the theme of Notions and Experiences of Freedom?

To what extent do James Printer’s theological beliefs differ from the Christian beliefs expressed by Mary and Joseph Rowlandson? How do these differences complicate the theme of Challenges to Religious Doctrine?

There are moments when Joseph Rowlandson expresses compassion for Mary and his children. What prompts such moments? How do these moments differ from his usual attitude toward his family members?

In the novel, how do gossip and rumor shape Puritan life?

Research the historical Metacomet. How does his portrayal in Flight of the Sparrow differ from the historical figure?

How is the violence that results from the Tensions Between Indigenous Americans and English Colonists portrayed in the novel? Are there forms of violence the novel portrays as more justified than others?

Using evidence from the novel, describe what Joss’s experience of captivity was like and how he was changed by it. How does he spend his time upon his return to Puritan society? How are his post-captivity experiences similar to his female relatives’ experiences, and how do they differ?