Magdalena Balthasar
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
Ozment, Stephen. Magdalena & Balthasar. London: Yale University Press, 1986 ceived with great longing your letter of November 11. As I had carefully considered and calculated the mail delivery with which your reply to my letter must come, I waited with longing for a letter last Sunday" (28). This quote shows that Balthasar is devoted to his wife because he is willing to give up a good day's worth of trading just to hear from her. Besides all the love that was expressed between the couple in their letters, some tensions are seen. For example, Magdalena became angry with Balthasar because he did not write back to her as soon as he received her new letter. Something like this would worry most wives during this era due to the high death rate caused by germs, viruses, and the Black Plague. "Magdalena complains on December 1 that she has not heard from Balthasar for over two weeks and accuses him of giving his business mail priority over writing to her" (45). Magdalena is a prime example of most women because they both like to be put ahead of everything else in the world. Within the past four hundred years, various changes happened in the world, especially in romance. Women have gone from being possessions to equals with the husband and even up to head of the household. Running a business, school, or law firm does not strike anyone as being odd for a woman. One thing that has not changed over time is that both husband and wife had to have some form of communication. Before technology became larger, hand written letters or telegrams seemed to be the most popular. In today's world, most couples talk to one another when they get home from work. When they never reach home, couples talk via pagers, cell phones, and e-mails. The intent is still nice, but the actual face-to-face contact is priceless. Wiesner, Mary. "Nuns, Wives, and Mothers: Women and the Reformation in Germany." Richard M. Golden. The Social Dimension of Western Civilization. Vol1 4th ed. New York: St. Martin's, 1999. Herlihy, David. "The Family in Renaissance Italy." Richard M. Golden. The Social Dimension of Western Civilization. Vol1 4th ed. New York: St. Martin's, 1999.
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Approximate Word count = 1560
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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