Magdalena and Balthasar

A detailed Summary of Magdalena and Balthasar

The book Magdalena and Balthasar by Steven Ozment describes the relationship between a married couple in the sixteenth century. Balthasar was a merchant who traveled a couple months out of each year for his trade. Magdalena, his wife, was very devoted to him and helped him with his business. Their relationship, which included trust, loyalty, and love, was very different then most married couples of their time. They had a son together and even though he was not in their lives for long, he was dearly treasured. Although Magdalena and Balthasar led different lives of modern day, the relationship between the two are very much the same as a typical married couple today.

Marriage in the sixteenth century varied greatly from Magdalena and Balthasar's relationship. Besides loving, trusting, and respecting each other Magdalena and Balthasar shared a closeness that many couples of their time could not come close to achieving. Magdalena would share her thoughts about everything with him. She would express her feelings of widows remarrying too soon saying that it is a sign of betrayal to their dead husband. She also shares her business interests with Balthsar. Most men would not put up with that and not listen to their wives, bu

Since Little Balthasar did get very sick and died, Balthasar came home from his trade route as soon as possible. Balthasar's merchant business was very important to not only him, but also to Magdalena. She was like the store manager and Balthasar was not only the buyer, but also the boss. She ran the trade from the house when Balthasar was away. He did a very good job also because if she did not Balthasar would have surely left the business to someone else to handle while he was away. She would receive and deliver shipments to their customers. She would also collect payments with a little help from her brother in law. Balthasar always sought her advice when he could not decide on his own. He trusted and respected her opinion and sought it with ease.

One way to understand their love was by them looking out for each other. Balthasar would do this by sending Magdalena clothes, like sweaters, when he thought it was cold and she needed it. Magdalena would always be telling Balthasar to watch his diet and take care of himself. She was also regularly reminding him to bleed himself so that he stays healthy. They were also showing their affection with loving words in their letters and looking out for each other by means of their Lord, God. Magdalena was always awaiting Balthasars return from his trips and she always had faith in God that He would arrive home safely.

When Little Balthasar got very ill both the parents were extremely worried. They were both very hopeful and optimistic. Even when things got really rough Magdalena and Balthasar still were able to see the brighter side. Their faith and hope in God was able to get them through seeing Little Balthasar suffer the way that he did. Then Little Balthasar died. Although this brought Magdalena much pain and heartache she kept her faith in God. Balthasar was also upset because he really did treasure Little Balthasar. Although it did not effect him as harshly as it did Magdalena. She and Balthasar relied heavily on God at this time and truly believed that if that was what God meant to be, then it was okay and they would survive.

Although their marriage was like modern day, it did have its differences. Most marriages of the sixteenth century were based on God and their religious ties. Many people's values and morals came from their faith and trust in God. Also many couples did things as they thought God would want it and so did Ma

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Approximate Word count = 1630
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Miscellaneous