Martha Ballard

             Life in today's world, the 21st century, has become a fantasy in which people in the past centuries could have never imagined. We are introduced to man's new technology inventions, which make our lives extra comforting, everyday. Yet, it's amazing how we grant every little moment. However, life has not always been this effortless. In the story of A Midwifes Tale, we are presented to the living conditions of Martha Ballard, whom is a midwife living in the 18th century, through her dairies. The dairies reflect the suffering and tribulations she went through, while working. At the same time, teach us lessons about her heroic character, her undying devotion for her job, ways of living and lastly her religious beliefs.
             Martha was no ordinary midwife she preformed 816 deliveries between 1785 and 1812. She's on call 24 seven and commits all her strength to her job. Since transportation was very limited, getting around from place to place was extremely difficult, especially during wintertime. Though the snow and rain couldn't stop Martha from her what she loved. Her devoted passion for her career can be described in these quotes; "Pushing through ice in several places...she walked across, almost reaching shore before breaking through to her waist...dragged herself out, and rode dripping to the delivery."
             Religion played an essential part in Martha's life. Her fate in god was the only element that she knew was going to save her through the hardship of the usual daily events. In addition, she was even more grateful, here in her eateries of April 24, 1789, after crossing the stream on the way on fleeting Loggs safely she notes, "Wonder Full is the Goodness of providence."
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