* To recount her experience: Rowlandson's primary purpose was to document her own harrowing experience as a captive of the Native American Wampanoag tribe during King Philip's War. She wanted to share the details of her ordeal, the challenges she faced, and the strength she found within herself.
* To provide spiritual guidance: Rowlandson saw her captivity as a test of faith and a time of profound spiritual reflection. Her narrative emphasizes the power of God's grace and the importance of trusting in divine providence.
* To educate and warn: The narrative served as a warning to other settlers about the dangers of the frontier and the potential for violence from Native Americans. It also aimed to educate readers about Native American customs and beliefs.
* To challenge societal norms: Rowlandson's account challenged the traditional gender roles of the time. Her strength, resourcefulness, and resilience in captivity demonstrated that women could be capable and strong in the face of adversity.
* To promote a sense of unity: The narrative helped to foster a sense of unity among English settlers in the face of a common enemy. It encouraged them to support each other and to resist the perceived threat from Native Americans.
* To promote religious tolerance: While Rowlandson's narrative portrays the Native Americans as her captors and presents a negative view of their culture, it also includes moments of empathy and understanding. This helped to foster a more nuanced understanding of the conflict and promoted a call for greater religious tolerance.
In essence, *A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson* is a complex and layered text that served multiple purposes for its author and its intended audience.