A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812

Laurel Thatcher UlrichNonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 1990

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Introduction-Chapter 1

Chapters 2-3

Chapters 4-5

Chapters 6-7

Chapters 8-9

Chapter 10-Epilogue

Key Figures

Themes

Index of Terms

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Beta

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Conduct research into the methodology of microhistory. Find a piece of archival evidence suitable for microhistorical analysis and follow Ulrich’s example, drawing connections between macrohistorical themes and the microhistorical evidence.

Nature imagery is prominent throughout Ulrich’s book. Examine how the imagery functions to connect Martha and her work to the natural world and the rhetorical effect of this connection.

Compare and contrast Arminianism and Calvinism. What are their similarities and differences? How is each religious sect depicted in the text?