An examination of the book "A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on her Diary, 1785-1812" by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich which describes the life of women in this period in Northern New England.
Abstract This paper examines the lives of women in colonial America by studying this unique work which is written in diary form by a woman named Martha Ballard. The aim of the author of this book was to show historians that information about women in this period does exist, as they are often over-looked in history books. This paper shows how this book is a rich source of the personal and social struggles of women in this era.
From the Paper "Laurel Thatcher Ulrich's strips away the justification that historians often call on to validate their disregard of women's lives in colonial America, which the essential documents do not exist. Perceptively creatively combing through household inventories, account book, court files, indentures, captivity recounting and men's diaries. The author shows the complex richness and truth of women role and lets the modern reader listen to women voices from their oral traditions. Ulrich is immersed in the homely information of the colonial life. She shows a genuine appreciation of colonial society imparting the multiple contradictions of its patriarchal, hierarchical and common values, its religiosity and earthiness."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses J.G. Ballard's short story "The Voices of Time". The writer focuses on the themes of surrealism and inner space that commingle in this work. The writer notes that the setting Ballard selects for "The Voices of Time" intensifies the surrealist atmosphere of the story, revealing the supernatural in the natural. In addition, the writer maintains that this setting shows how the core themes of the story of evolution and time become manifest most poignantly in the human mind. Further, the writer discusses that the surrealistic imagery throughout "The Voices of Time" is nothing but the human mind grappling with its own mortality and relative insignificance in relation to the grandeur of the universe at large.
From the Paper "Ballard describes Powers' death with precision, blending surrealism with inner space and encapsulating the mood of the entire short story. Death and mortality are keys to understanding Powers' mind, because although he is surrounded by oddities and distortions of form and reality, Powers is fundamentally human. Acutely aware of his impending death, Powers spends his last moments engaged in a sublime meditation. Although he has witnessed some of the most grotesque abnormalities possible, although he has transformed human consciousness to the point of eradicating sleep from Kaldren's life, Powers retains a sense of wonder for the world. Seen through his eyes, the world comes alive with fantastic and surreal impact."
Abstract This paper is a book review of J.G. Ballard's, "Empire of the Sun". It examines the theme of ambivalence in a world that is made fragile by war and constantly changing alliances. It discusses what separates this novel from the typical war or action-adventure novel.
An analysis of African-American discrimination in Richard Wright's "Native Son," Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin In The Sun" and Lanston Hughes' poem, "Ballard of the Landlord."
1,020 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 0 sources, 2001, $ 36.95
Abstract This paper discusses racial prejudice and discrimination against African-Americans as it is portrayed in three literary works. The paper discusses Richard Wright's "Native Son," Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin In The Sun" and Lanston Hughes' poem, "Ballard of the Landlord." The paper discusses the themes of each literary piece and the experiences of the African-American characters in them.
From the Paper "The characters in Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun experience a form of racial prejudice similar to the Thomases. Mama had always dreamed of owning her own home, one that she could leave as a legacy for her family. Throughout her entire life she has rented a worn-out apartment. When Mama and Walter had initially moved into their current apartment, they were not planning on living there for more than one year. Years later the couch is covered with doilies to hide the fading upholstery, and a table or chair has been moved to hide worn-out places in the carpet. The condition of the house is very similar to the house in "Ballad of the Landlord". When Mama mentions moving to a two-story house that has a yard Ruth says, "Well, Lord knows, we've put enough rent into this here rent trap to pay for four houses by now..." (Hansberry 44). All family members agree the house is a "rat trap" (Hansberry 45). Mama finally takes the money and fulfills her dream of buying a house. "It's just a plain little old house - but it's made good and solid - and it will be ours... it makes a difference in a man when he can walk on floors that belong to him." (Hansberry 92). Mama has never owned anything of value, and now she has something that she can proud to leave her children."
Abstract This paper evaluates Southcorp Limited. It discusses the difficulties experienced by Southcorp in many areas of its management, and as a result, its large financial losses. The paper examines Southcorp's business activities and looks at the reasons for Southcorp's expansion and analyzes the problems associated with expansion. The paper explains that in an attempt to improve its results, Southcorp has re-organised its management, which includes removal of one level of middle management, and the appointment of John Ballard as Chief Executive Officer. The paper shows how Mr Ballard has implemented Project Veraison, which is designed to improve Southcorp's performance by reducing costs in 50 key areas of the business. The paper includes pie charts, maps, tables and appendices.
Outline:
General information about Southcorp Limited.
Business Activities
Reasons for Expansion: Minimising Competitive Risk, Development of Global Consumer Markets, Creating Economies of Scale, Changing Government Regulations, Technology.
Methods of Expansion: Expansion, Diversification, Foreign Direct Investment.
Issues/Problems Associated with Expansion: Social/Cultural Issues, Political Issues, Legal Issues, Economic Issues.
Success/Failure of Southcorp's Expansion Program
Financial Management: Methods of Payment, Credit Risks, Hedging, Derivatives, Insurance, Obtaining Finance
Conclusion
From the Paper "Southcorp began operations as an independent company in 1993, after it separated from its parent company, South Australian Brewing. Southcorp became Australia's largest wine producer in 2002. During the mid 1990s, Southcorp diversified its operations into industries such as electrical goods, water heating and packaging. These diverse operations were a financial disaster and costly to the business, and in the late 1990s Southcorp began do divest itself of all its non-wine related businesses. In February 2001 Southcorp announced an AU$1.5 billion merger/takeover with Rosemount Estates, "the most successful wine company in the world in terms of [the size of its] return on equity"3. However, the merger has been described as "nothing short of a disaster" after disappointing financial results. The Rosemount Estate brand name, for example, was revalued at only AU$340 million (AU$240 million down from before the merger), and, partly because of this, the company recorded an AU$922.9 million loss for the Financial Year ending June 30, 2003 (FY2003)."
Abstract This paper discusses the legal basis of the situation of women in the military, and relevant court cases such as Hoyt v. Florida, Taylor v. Louisiana, US vs. St. Clair, Rostker v. Goldberg, Craig v. Boren, and Schlesinger vs. Ballard. Discusses myths and truths regarding women and military service. Argues for equal rights, equal obligations, and equal opportunities within military and civilian spheres.
From the paper:
"Men and women are treated unequally in regards to military service. Men are required to register for the Selective Service when they turn 18, while women are exempt. While women are allowed to perform most jobs in the military, they are still restricted from some combat roles. This gender inequality stems from antiquated notions of female weakness and domesticity, which have no legal validity in our society today. Furthermore, limiting women's roles in the military violates women's rights to be full and equal citizens of the United States, with all the privileges, obligations, and duties that carries with it."
Abstract This essay examines the roles played by women in the military and gender stratification. The author discusses three Supreme Court cases that strengthened the ongoing argument that females should be allowed into military positions of active combat. The paper also looks at the story of Major Rhonda Cornum, taken captive in the Black Hawk incident.
From the Paper "As the world enters the twenty-first century, the question of gender stratification and exclusion in military ground combat situations continues to be the center of much disagreement and debate. Female citizens should by all means be guaranteed the same opportunities for advancement and individual freedom of choice that are given their male counterparts. The obtainment of these opportunities and freedoms should not, however, come at the expense or sacrifice of all aspects of the time-honored relationships and boundaries that have conventionally existed between the sexes, one of which is the battlefield."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of the story "A Midwife's Tale" by Laurel Ulrich. The author of this paper explores the book, the film and a web site about the story to compare and contrast the three. Using information from each source we are given the opportunity to evaluate the importance each site places on certain events and beliefs.
From the Paper "Throughout history, we have used archived and discovered journals to help us piece together what happened before us. Many slavery accounts came from former slaves, while many accounts of politics came from the journals of politicians. Rarely, however, do we get a look at the pure way of life for the average poor American. "A Midwife's Tale", is a recreation of the actual diary pages of Martha Ballard. Ballard lived in the 18th century and recorded many of the every day ways of life that she witnessed. Years later we are fascinated to learn what her life and the lives around her were like. "Even with her diaries in our possession to lean on each interpretation of them is tempered by the mind of the person who does the interpreting. There is a book a film and a web site all dedicated to the diaries of Martha Ballard. Each one is similar in its purpose and tales but each one also has some differences as the author of each venue interprets the importance of the recorded events."
Abstract This paper is an analysis of Laurel Thatcher Ulrich's book, "A Midwife's Tale," a story about life in rural New England in the late 18th and 19th centuries. The paper is an analysis of the characters, method and style used by the author in presenting this piece of historical fiction. The story is written in diary format, the main character, Martha Ballard is a midwife and her diary entries reflect the real life concerns that faced women during this period in history. The female characters are shown to be strong, independent and courageous, not weak and submissive. It shows how women, despite many of the limitations placed upon them by the time period, made positive contributions to medicine and everyday life. This gives us important insight into life during this period of American history. Each chapter of the book includes diary entries, followed by editorial comments by Professor Ulrich which help to guide the reader and enhance their understanding of the material. Samples of these diaries are presented throughout the paper.
From the Paper "Practical details of daily life and the hardships of getting to her deliveries as related in the diary are charming and make Martha Ballard come to life. She is real, vital, adventurous and down to earth. She rides her horse in all weather to make her deliveries, has treacherous crossings of the Kennebec River and other bodies of water: Crosst the river in their Boat. A great sea A going. We got safe over then sett out for Mr Hewins. I Crost a stream on the way of fleeting Loggs & got safe over. Wonder full is the Goodness of providence (5).
Martha's faith in Providence is an important part of the heritage of our forefathers and foremothers that is too often forgotten in modern times. Both her physical side and her spiritual side come alive in the diary entries. We feel her lively caring involved spirit: Mrs Sewall was ill till 3 hour pm when shee was through divine asistance made the Living Mother of a Living Son, her 3d Child (94-95)."
From the Paper " This study will examine Laurel Thatcher Ulrich's A Midwife's Tale, The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812. Specifically, the study will consider the ways in which medicine, social convention and economics are inextricable parts of the diary, and the effect that such areas of concern have on the reader's understanding of Ballard's society and women's position in it. The study will argue that, indeed, medicine, social convention, and economics as described in the book reveal much about the control over society which men held in Ballard's era and about the interior position of women in that society.
This does not mean, however, as in the example of medicine, that women were entirely excluded, or had no power whatsoever. The book shows that while "Male physicians are easily identified in town records and, even in Martha's diary, by the title.."
This paper traces the evolution of women's health and medical practices through the 19th century, citing "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman in the analysis of female hysteria.
Abstract This paper explores women's health issues in the 19th century. The writer suggests that the attitudes of men toward women were central to issues concerning women's health. The paper looks at primitive gynecologic practices, allopathic medicine, personalities including midwife Martha Ballard and trends such as Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Compound. The writer concludes that studying the history of the progress in women's health is an excellent way for women to learn what they will have to do to improve their own futures.
From the Paper "In the 19th century, any female complaint was likely to be considered a nervous disorder. The woman in "The Yellow Wallpaper" is the victim of what contemporary men labeled "hysteria" for which many hysterectomies were performed. Getting out from behind that male imposed wallpaper was a major effort of will for women. If she complained too much, a woman would most likely be subjected to the new hysterectomy procedure developed by Dr. Robert Battley, which had a very high mortality rate. Doctors like the husband in Gilman's story provoked a reactionary movement that included the efforts of Dr. John Kellogg and Dr. Sylvester Graham, part of the popular health movement that flourished from 1820-1870. They encouraged loose, healthy clothing, exercise and steam baths for both sexes, advocated vegetarian, whole wheat, alcohol free diets and strongly rejected masturbation as sinful, lawless and unhealthy."
Abstract This paper reviews the historical background of music in the Shakespearean era and discusses how and why music was used in Shakespeare's works. It looks at how Shakespeare used music in most of his plays as a dramatic device to effectively evoke certain moods and sometimes to reflect the state of minds of some characters. The type of music used by the playwright as well as some examples of music in specific plays are also described.
Outline
Historical Background of Music in the Shakespearean Era
Music in Shakespeare's Plays
Vocal Songs
Ballads
Instrumental Music
Conclusion
From the Paper "Instrumental music has been sparingly used in Shakespeare's plays, in part because of the lack of facilities for such music to be played in performances other than at the Court. Hence in plays performed at the court such as the Twelfth Night and The Tempest we find nearly three times the amount of music normally present in Shakespeare's plays. In these plays, Shakespeare may have had the services of court singers and instrumentalists. In public theater productions, instrumental music was normally provided by a trumpeter, a wind player who doubled on shawm, and a couple of string players who were competent at the violin, viol, and lute. (Springfels) Therefore, the use of instrumental music in most of Shakespeare's plays is sparse."
This paper presents a personal and intellectual reaction to two particular readings: Peter J. Brown's, Jessica Gregg's and Bruce L. Ballard's "Culture, Ethnicity and the Practice of Medicine" and Anne Fadiman's "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down".
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 1 source, 2006, $ 26.95
Abstract This paper examines two readings: Anne Fadiman's "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down" and Brown et al.'s "Culture, Ethnicity and the Practice of Medicine". The paper endeavors to outline the reader's responses to them. Specifically, the paper notes how these course materials have forced the reader to reconsider the wisdom of allowing cultural biases to inform her understanding of what constitutes the proper practice of medicine.
From the Paper "What I hope to convey over the next few pages is how these two works have made me appreciate just how much our individual notions of medicine - chiefly, what works and what does not work - are culturally determined. More than that, these two works made me understand how it is less ignorance that leads some cultures to treat illnesses in different ways as it is cultural moorings that are almost impossible for any of us to eschew. "
