- 1. A Midwife's Tale by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich is a groundbreaking work that delves into the life and times of Martha Ballard, a midwife in 18th century Maine, whose diary offers a unique window into the daily realities of women in early America. Ulrich meticulously examines Ballard's detailed records, which span nearly three decades from 1785 to 1812, providing insights not only into the practice of midwifery but also into the social, economic, and cultural contexts of the period. The book reveals the vital role that women like Ballard played in their communities, navigating the challenges of childbirth, healthcare, and family dynamics in a time when their contributions were often overlooked. Through Ulrich’s compelling narrative and scholarly analysis, readers gain a deeper understanding of the intersection of gender, medicine, and society, highlighting how Ballard's experiences reflect broader themes of women's labor and agency in American history. Ultimately, A Midwife's Tale not only chronicles the life of a devoted midwife but also serves as a powerful reminder of the invisible labor that has shaped the fabric of society.
In what state did Martha Ballard live and work?
A) Virginia
B) Maine
C) Pennsylvania
D) Massachusetts
- 2. What was Martha Ballard's primary occupation?
A) Shopkeeper
B) Teacher
C) Farmer
D) Midwife
- 3. Over how many years did Martha Ballard keep her diary?
A) 27 years
B) 10 years
C) 15 years
D) 35 years
- 4. What significant historical period does Martha's diary cover?
A) Civil War
B) Industrial Revolution
C) Early American Republic
D) Colonial settlement
- 5. What town did Martha Ballard live near?
A) Portland
B) Boston
C) Concord
D) Hallowell
- 6. What was the name of Martha's husband?
A) Thomas Ballard
B) Samuel Ballard
C) Ephraim Ballard
D) John Ballard
- 7. What aspect of early American medicine does the book highlight?
A) Women's central role in healthcare
B) Pharmaceutical advances
C) Hospital development
D) Medical school education
- 8. How does Ulrich use Martha's diary to challenge historical assumptions?
A) Reveals advanced medical knowledge
B) Proves women were politically active
C) Shows women's active economic role
D) Demonstrates high literacy rates
- 9. How did Martha record her accounts and payments?
A) She didn't keep financial records
B) In separate ledger books
C) Through town records
D) In the margins of her diary
- 10. What literary award did 'A Midwife's Tale' win?
A) American Book Award
B) National Book Award
C) Pulitzer Prize for History
D) Bancroft Prize
- 11. What does Ulrich argue about historical sources like diaries?
A) They provide unique insights into daily life
B) They mainly reflect elite perspectives
C) They should supplement official records
D) They are unreliable as historical evidence
- 12. What was Ballard's role in the Foster rape case?
A) She avoided involvement
B) She was the accused
C) She gathered evidence and testified
D) She was the defense witness
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