Follow the River

Content Warning: This section includes discussions of anti-Indigenous racism, suicidal ideation, torture, potential sexual assault, wartime atrocities, and physical and psychological suffering. The source material’s use of outdated, racist language for Indigenous Americans is replicated only in direct quotations.

The protagonists, Mary and Will Ingles, rely on their love for one another to help them get through difficult circumstances after the Shawnee raid. Their faith in one another is enmeshed with their religious faith. Although they are not devoutly religious, they do complete “Sunday morning prayers” (2), and Mary prays during her journey back to Draper’s Meadow. By intertwining the couple’s romantic love for each other with their religious faith, the novel emphasizes Mary and Will’s marital commitment as a powerful source of strength amidst daunting challenges.

Mary frequently thinks of Will to keep herself motivated to survive during her ordeal. For instance, while wrestling with her feelings for Captain Wildcat and considering acquiescing to his offer to live with him, she reminds herself of her commitment to Will. When her circumstances worsen and she finds herself starving in the Appalachian wilderness and considering dying by suicide, she keeps moving by thinking of “Will, darlin’, old sturdy, furry Will, best man in Virginia” (294).