Caitlin Sheehan

Caitlin Sheehan

Indian Captive: The Story of Mary Jemison

Lois Lenski

Historical Fiction

Holiday

Page 125

1. Right now, the main character Molly (Mary) Jemison is at the Fort Duquesne. This is a French fort, and she is there for a trading journey with two Seneca women, Shining Star and Squirrel Woman. While there, she is walking around and meets some wealthy English women. They are curious, and ask her some questions in English, but when Molly forgets how to respond in English she starts to panic. She becomes upset, and finally remembers how to respond, only to say that she must go. After Shining Star and Squirrel Woman find out what she has done, they leave in a hurry on canoe. They begin to travel in the opposite that they came from. Molly is left wondering if she will ever return to her family, and how far away she was going to travel before that happened.

2. I love this book. It is a fantastic look into Native American life from the eyes of a captive, and it is portrayed in such a fantastic way. The details describing everything from her emotional pain, to her many attempts to run away are exquisite, and very well done. It is kind of a simplistic version of events, but is filled with historical accuracy. I loved this book, and would recommend it to all.

3. One theme that I have noticed in this book is the theme of perseverance. This is shown when she is first captured. Molly perseveres through the difficult journey, on the hope that she will see her family again. Also, when she arrives at the village she keeps trying to heed her mother's final words, to never forget her family or her language. She talks to herself in secret in english, even though when she is caught she is punished. Molly perseveres throughout the entire book, and she keeps looking for the silver lining.

4. My favorite character is Molly Jemison. She has a positive outlook, and always tries her best even though she is going through awful things. She is sympathetic, and kind. She will always make a stand for anything that she believes in, even if it will get her in trouble. Also, Molly is very determined. When she fails at something the first time, she tries again until she gets it right.

5. My least favorite character is Squirrel Woman. This is because she is cruel, and always scolding Molly. She has no empathy or sympathy for Molly's situation, and is always driving Molly to do more and more work, even if Molly is to exaughisted to do any more. Squirrel Woman is just a cruel and mean person all around.

6. I predict that Molly will be offered a chance for freedom, and take it, only to discover the death of her family. If this happens, she will probably then return to the Senecas.