Allegories of Encounter

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Focusing on Indian captivity narratives, this analysis explores how colonial captives used literacy to differentiate themselves from Native Americans and connect with their cultural roots. It highlights the significance of reading and writing in shaping identities during captivity, revealing that Native peoples often understood the power of the written word, occasionally offering books to their captives. This interdisciplinary approach sheds light on the complex interactions between literacy, colonialism, and the experiences of both colonists and Native Americans in early America.