Knight vs. Rowlandson

Sarah Kemble Knight and Mary Rowlandson are similar in some ways.  In both their writings they talk about their journeys in which they incountered hardships.  Both of these journeys probably being unusual for a women to experience at the time.  However, although they both experienced these travels; their experiences and writings are much different from each others.

To begin, although they both went through difficult travels, Rowlandson's journey was against her will.  Whereas Knight voluntarily embarks on this journey. The tone in their writing is different as well.  Rowlandson (having a much more terrifying journey) wrote in a more serious tone:

"I sat much alone with a poor wounded Child in my lap, which moaned night and day, having nothing to revive the body, or cheer the spirits of her, but in stead of that, sometimes one Indian would come and tell me one hour, that your Master will knock your Child in the head..." (p. 123)

One can only expect her to write in this tone due to the horrible circumstances she was put in.  Knight's tone, on the other hand, is much different than Rowlandson's.  Knight's tone in her writing is much more humorous:

"I ask thy Aid, O Potent Rum!/ To Charm these wrangling Topers Dum./ Though hast their Giddy Brains possest--/ The man confounded with the Beast--/ And I, poor I, can get no rest./  Intoxicate them with thy fumes:/ O still their Tongues till morning comes!" (p. 193)

Another difference I observed was their mentioning of God.  Rowlandson mentions scripture throughout her writing and is constantly searching for comfort through reading her Bible.  Whereas, Knight barely mentions God and religion. 

I found Knight's writing to be much easier to read, because I think the situation in which Knight was in was more pleasent to read about.  However, I think Rowlandson's telling of her journey was much more powerful and the situations stuck with me more.  Overall, I think Rowlandson's writing is more memorable.