Based upon evidence, fact, and logical reasoning, Steven Ozment explores the relationship of a sixteenth century German merchant and his wife. The piece talks about the hardships of long distance marriage, the Black Plague that swept through Germany, the death of their only child, and the business that helps bind the two lovers together. One of the tactics that Magdalena and Balthasar use to keep each other sane, is the writing of love letters back and forth. No matter where they may be just to make sure that their undivided love will never part.
The nature of the relationship between Magdalena and Balthasar consisted of a very strong love for one another. They exchanged love letters whenever Balthasar had to go away on a business trip. The first place he wrote to his wife was from Lucca. Magdalena would receive his letter about three to four weeks later in their hometown of Nuremberg. Eight of the letters written were from Balthasar and three were from Magdalena. "Magdalena receives all Balthasar's letters with ‘longing and heartfelt joy'. A letter from him at Christmas time becomes ‘a true gift from the Christ Child'" (Ozment 28). With every written letter, a sense of love and devotion is seen. "I have at 12:00 this might re
. . .
Magdalena devoted herself to little Balthasar's education and training. Balthasar's plan wad to keep order in his house while he was on business. One thing that has not changed over time is that both husband and wife had to have some form of communication. "She completely refurbished their house, directing the work of potters, carpenters, plasterers, and glaziers" (74). One of the main reasons for marrying a particular person in the old days was not for love, but for what the husband and the husband's family could gain.
Little Balthasar was the child of Balthasar and Magdalena in the story. A woman can hold a political office and be seen as a highly respected individual. Various types of cheeses, fish, and growing seeds were among the most popular. In the reply letter from his wife, Balthasar instructs her to tell her son how he should be acting. Little Balthasar saw his father as a man with near-magical powers.
Approximate Word count =
1560
Approximate Pages =
6 (250 words per page double spaced)
Simply subscribe to view this paper, and 100,000 others.
| CREDIT CARD |
ONLINE CHECK |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JOIN BY PHONE
|
|
|
