A map is a great way to help the audience gain a lot of knowledge on a specific topic. It is defined as a “diagram of collection of data showing the spatial distribution of something or the relative positions of its components”. Where a feature on a map is located is important because it shows the relationship from feature to feature. In other words, it is a visual way where one can make connections from place to place and gain a broader understanding of something. I found it very interesting when Bodenhamer said, “We see space as the platform for multiplicity, a realm where all perspectives are particular and dependent upon experiences unique to an individual, a community, or a period of time” (Bodenhamer,14) because think this is a very strong and accurate point that he made.
I really enjoyed mapping Harriet Lees’ life and gained a lot of insight on her life and England in the 1800s while doing so. While mapping the memoir of Harriet Lees, I understood what the Bodenhamer was insinuating when he said, “Spaces are not simply the setting for historical action but are a significant product and determinant of change” (Bodenhamer 16).
Multiple places were referred to in the memoir of Harriet Lees’ and while making a map of these different places, I was able to understand why each place held importance in her lifetime. I used maps and spatial thinking to help me understand the complexities and nuances of the history of Harriet Lees’ life. Like I stated before, mapping Harriet Lees’ life broadened my understanding and perspective of her life. This is because I traced each important part of her life discussed in the memoir. For example, I showed that Harriet Lees lived in Leominster, England for a big portion of her life with her husband and how when she got sick she traveled to Leamington in hope for the special healing waters to heal her sickness of the lungs. Because there were only three places discussed in Harriet Lees’ memoir, I did further research on England in the 1800s and found places of importance as well. Other important places I found were Bath, Bristol, and London, England. I found that Bath England, similarly to Leamington, is also known for their spas and many people travelled there in attempt to regain their strength they had lost from sickness. I found that Bristol, England was relevant to Harriet Lees’ memoir because similarly to Leominster, Bristol was a very religious town where the Moravian church was located. I also researched London which was important because it was the biggest city in all of Europe and a central place for Moravians at the time. Interestingly, I also learned while researching London that the majority of Moravian women did not live in London, but in outside cities, such as Bristol. While researching Bristol on a map, I discovered that Bristol is closer to Leominster than London is, which is cool to think about in historical times.Overall, I think mapping is a very cool and unique way to relay information. David Bodenhamer says, “inherently spatial beings: we live in a physical world and routinely use spatial concepts of distance and direction to navigate our way through it” (Bodenhamer 14). I agree with Bodenhamer and this being said, I think mapping is very useful and fun at the same time!
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Paige Whitney is a sophomore at Bucknell University. She is from Darien, CT. She is undeclared, but has interests in psychology, management, and economics.
