What role does religion play in the journeys of each of the authors?

What changes in colonial America are evident through the writings of the authors in this collection?

Mary Rowlandson opens her narrative giving justification for making her story public. Why might she feel the need to explain herself?

Sarah Knight is an unusual woman for her time. How does she acknowledge this in her narrative?

What do you think William Byrd's intention was in writing an official report as well as a "secret" history of his journey?

How does Dr. Hamilton's narrative differ from the previous three in the collection? What similarities does he have with the other authors?

What are the obstacles to travel faced by the different authors in this collection as they travel. How do these obstacles change over time? What obstacles remain the same? Why?