Mrs.
Rowlandson began to kindle the feeling of jealousy inside of her. She wanted what the New England Indian’s had. Namely, a challenge to overcome. The troublesome lives of the natives appealed to her because it provided the opportunity to conquer a new trial in her life. “…I should be sometimes jealous least I should have my portion in this life, and that Scripture would come to my mind, ‘For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every Son whom he receiveth’ (Hebrews 12.6).” For her, God was sending a test, a test that she would not fail. She saw this challenge as an act of God, and was determined to overcome
it. Change is the key factor in Mary Rowlandon’s survival. She is determined to change a part of her life through this experience. Maximus Decimus Meridius from the movie Gladiator had the same mind-set. Betrayed by his king, and sent into slavery, he was adamant about conquering those who betrayed him. He sought to fulfil the wishes of Marcus Aurelius, the true emperor of Rome, and convert the empire into a republic. He wanted to change the course of the empire, thus, changing his life. Mary Rowlandson needed to break free from the humdrum life she lived, and explore new ways of living. The English’s’ arrogance by forcing a war was the perfect opportunity for that freedom. She did not welcome the captivity, but she was determined to make the most of it for herself, and for her family.