1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cushman, Karen. 1995. THE MIDWIFE’S
APPRENTICE, New York, NY: Clarion. ISBN 0395692296
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This
novel is a book told from the point of view of a hungry young homeless girl
living in a “dung heap” that finds her way after being taken in by a not-so-kind,
name-calling midwife named Jane. The
seen was the middle ages in England.
The tale follows a girl through challenges
as she attempts to become a midwife. This
girl named “Dung Beetle” Brat or Beetle renames herself Alyce. She learns the ways of a midwife, but after a
failed attempt she begins to doubt herself and runs away. Alyce finding work at an inn where she starts
to believe in herself and refuses to “give up” and returns as an apprentice to
a midwife.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
THE MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE is a coming-of-age style of world
historical fiction. This book seems more
suited for young adults because it includes bullying, drinking and sexual
content. Examples: Boys chasing and
mistreating Beetle, drinking Ale, and Jane the midwife having affair with the
baker. The book uses language of the
middle-ages era for example “on the morrow” instead of tomorrow. This author gives a life-like tale with a
unique view into the mind of a girl who sees herself as dirty and worthless
that starts to realize she is “pretty” and confident.
3. REVIEW EXCERPT
(S)
1996 Newbery Award
The Horn Book Magazine: “vivid
picture of medieval life”
4. CONNECTIONS
· Also read: Catherine,
Called Birdy (Cushman)
· Research midwife’s and alternative birthing methods
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