* To expose the injustice and cruelty of the US government's treatment of Native Americans. The novel is a fictionalized account of the injustices faced by Native Americans in Southern California during the 19th century. Jackson used the story to highlight the forced removal from their lands, the broken promises of treaties, and the devastating impact of assimilation policies on their culture and way of life.
* To advocate for better treatment of Native Americans. Jackson intended the novel to be a wake-up call to the American public, raising awareness about the plight of Native Americans and calling for reform. Her book became a powerful tool in the movement for Native American rights.
* To honor the memory of a woman she met in California. Jackson was inspired by the story of a real-life Native American woman named Ramona, whom she had encountered in California. This woman's struggles and injustices sparked Jackson's passion to write a novel that would expose the reality of Native American experiences.
* To contribute to the development of a new literary genre. "Ramona" is considered one of the first novels to depict Native American life in a sympathetic and authentic way, paving the way for other authors to explore the experiences of Indigenous people in their writing.
While Jackson's intention was to advocate for Native Americans, it's important to note that some critics have argued that "Ramona" reinforces certain harmful stereotypes about Native Americans. However, the novel's enduring popularity and impact on American consciousness cannot be denied. It played a significant role in raising awareness about the injustices faced by Native Americans and sparking broader societal change.