Mary Poole

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Full Name and Common Aliases

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Mary Poole was a renowned American poet, writer, and activist born as Mary Sargeant White Rowlandson. She is often referred to as Mary Rowlandson or simply Mary Poole, although the latter alias might be less common among literary historians.

Birth and Death Dates

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Mary Poole was born on November 17, 1637, in England. After immigrating to America with her family at a young age, she spent most of her life in what is now Massachusetts. Mary passed away on January 5, 1711, in Lancaster, Massachusetts.

Nationality and Profession(s)

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Mary Poole was an American poet and writer by profession. Her nationality was English-American.

Early Life and Background

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Mary Poole's early life was marked by turmoil. In 1675, she was captured by the Wampanoag tribe during King Philip's War and spent over a year in captivity. This harrowing experience had a profound impact on her writing and worldview. After being ransomed back to her family, Mary devoted herself to her faith and literature.

Major Accomplishments

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Mary Poole is best known for her autobiographical account of her experiences during King Philip's War, A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson (1682). This work is considered one of the most influential and widely read captivity narratives in American literature.

Notable Works or Actions

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Mary Poole's writing career spans several decades and includes a range of works beyond her captivity narrative. Some notable examples include:

The Martyrdom of Missions (1688) - an account of the capture and execution of Christian missionaries by Native American tribes.
A True History of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson (1682) - a revised version of her captivity narrative, published in 1696.

Impact and Legacy

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Mary Poole's writings have had a lasting impact on American literature and culture. Her captivity narrative has been widely studied for its historical significance and literary merit, offering insights into the experiences of early European colonizers in America.

Her writing also explores themes of faith, survival, and redemption, resonating with readers across centuries. In addition to her literary influence, Mary Poole's life and experiences have inspired numerous adaptations, interpretations, and scholarly analyses.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

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Mary Poole is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:

Her captivating narrative of survival against incredible odds has captivated readers for centuries.
Her writing offers a unique perspective on the complexities of early American history, highlighting both the human cost of colonization and the resilience of individuals in the face of adversity.
* As a pioneering female writer in America's colonial era, Mary Poole paved the way for future generations of women writers.

By reading and engaging with her works, readers can gain valuable insights into the past while appreciating the enduring power of literature to capture the human experience.