The diary of Martha Ballard is reviewed in five pages. There are no other sources listed.
Name of Research Paper File: AM2_PPmidwf2.rtf
Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
Literature can add greatly to our understanding of gender issues such as the sexual division of labor and the respective social
roles of men and women. "A Midwifes Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812" is particularly helpful in illuminating these issues at the turn
of the nineteenth century in central Maine. Based on the diary of the relatively obscure Martha Ballard, this book provides an excellent insight into everyday life during this time
period. In its original form, however, the document lacked substantial connection to the outside world. Ballards writing style was very abbreviated and punctated. Author Laurel Thatcher Ulrich,
however, transforms the concise daily entries into a work which is replete with historical as well as social significance. Ulrich masterfully connects Ballards writings with the public record of
the time to reveal Ballards extensive interaction with the country village of Hallowell Maine and the interconnectivity of that village with the young republic of the United States. In
doing so she has allowed us a rare insight into such aspects of everyday life as which jobs men were expected to perform verses women and the social differences which
existed at that time between the two sexes. Ballards writings unveil religion and society, class, and economic factors which interact to impact issues
of gender at the village of Hallowell. Ulrichs insight coupled with Ballards simple observations also allow an analysis of the gender relationships which existed in this time, even extending
to such issues as domestic violence. Of particular interest is the changes which occur throughout the diary which can be related to the Industrial Revolution itself. The diary