Indian Captive: The Story of Mary Jemison

Molly’s blonde hair is her most notable physical characteristic; throughout the novel, it often symbolizes her identity and develops her relationship to others. In several instances, Molly’s hair symbolizes her difference. Molly’s father points out her hair and assures her: “The Injuns’ll never hurt you, Molly-child! Why, when they see your pretty yaller hair a-shinin’ in the sun, they’ll think ‘tis only a corn-stalk in tassel!” (74). From the beginning, this comment builds the idea that Molly is special somehow.

When Molly first arrives in Seneca town, her hair is a symbol of her difference, and it attracts much attention. Molly is given the name Corn Tassel, inspired by the color of her hair. After living with the Senecas for several months, Molly travels to Fort Duquesne with Shining Star and Squirrel Woman. She is keenly aware of the ways she has changed; she feels that she has changed so much, in dress and appearance, that “if anyone should see her, they would think it was only an Indian girl with a baby” (220). When Molly encounters a group of English people, however, her hair establishes her identity as a white girl: “Molly had forgotten that her hair would tell the truth about her.