The story titled "A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson", written by Mary Rowlandson is closely related to the story titled "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavvas Vassa” , written by Olaudah Equaiano. Both narratives deal with captivity, the hardships of being held captive, and the daily emotions that each character goes through. Each of the narratives dives into the theme of Self versus Other; different vision between racial and cultural difference. Both also focus on different aspects of faith and the impact it has on the characters' experiences of imprisonment. Diving into the author's personal experiences, the theme of self versus the other is strongly expressed in both narratives. Rowlandson's experience begins with the capture of her and her children; however, throughout the entire narrative she is battling her faith, who she is, and the captors. She talks about having to face the vanity of this world by stating, “I saw the extreme vanity of this world: for one hour I was healthy and rich, desiring nothing. But the next hour in sickness, wounds and death, having nothing but pain and affliction.” (Rowlandson, 288) Rowlandson had to fight the vain people of the world who had taught her a certain way of believing and having faith; however, this battle allowed her to find herself and better understand the power that faith could have on her and her family. The process allowed Rowlandson to truly know “…what affliction meant…”, which allowed Rowlandson to gain insight into self versus others. Rowlandson became independent thanks to his abilities, his faith and his qualities. Olaudah Equiano shows the......middle of the card......a personal connection between them that allows for the feeling of empathy. Through each narrative the differences, as well as the similarities, establish the beginning of what the world is today and how people have changed. Each of the narratives was created for a purpose and as the themes, differences, and faith are established, the purposes are expressed as the author allows each person reading to immerse themselves in their own trials and afflictions. Through the attraction of the reading public, it asks the question: what is our faith, hope and vision of ourselves compared to others? Although kidnappers and slaves are not common today, there are still other elements that can capture our thoughts and minds and lead us into captivity that brings trials and afflictions. Are faith and hope the answer to these afflictions? Faith and hope ease afflictions?