In The Midwife’s Apprentice by Karen Cushman, the protagonist Alyce embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning valuable life lessons from the people around her, especially Will, a young man she meets along the way.
Through her interactions with Will, Alyce’s transformation from a shy, insecure girl into a confident young woman unfolds. In this article, we’ll explore the important lessons Alyce learns from Will and how these lessons shape her journey in the novel.
1. Self-Worth and Confidence
One of the most significant things Alyce learns from Will is the importance of self-worth and the power of confidence. When Alyce first meets Will, she is unsure of herself, constantly doubting her abilities and feeling unworthy. Throughout the story, Alyce’s self-esteem fluctuates, but Will serves as an unexpected source of support.
Will, despite his rough exterior, encourages Alyce to believe in herself. His presence helps Alyce understand that making mistakes is a part of learning and growing.
In their conversations, Alyce begins to realize that confidence comes from within, and she doesn’t have to be perfect to be valued. This realization is a turning point for Alyce, as she learns to trust in her own abilities, both as a person and as an apprentice midwife.
2. Companionship and Trust
Alyce’s journey is one of personal growth, but it is also a journey of learning the importance of companionship and trust. Will teaches Alyce that relationships, built on mutual respect and trust, are fundamental to her development.
When Alyce is alone and isolated, Will’s companionship reminds her that she does not have to face the world by herself. Throughout their time together, Alyce learns to open up to others and trust them, which is a crucial step in her emotional maturity.
Will’s willingness to help her without judgment also shows Alyce the value of being open and vulnerable in relationships.
This theme of trust is particularly significant because Alyce has struggled with the idea of being accepted. Her background as an orphan, living on the fringes of society, has led her to question whether anyone truly cares about her.
Will’s kindness and support challenge this belief, teaching Alyce that she is deserving of love and companionship.
3. Resilience and Growth
Another key lesson Alyce learns from Will is the importance of resilience and the value of personal growth. Will, though not without his flaws, demonstrates that mistakes are not the end but an opportunity for growth.
Alyce comes to understand that being resilient doesn’t mean being perfect. It means learning from experiences and continuing to move forward.
Throughout the novel, Alyce faces numerous challenges that test her resilience, from feeling inadequate in her role as an apprentice to dealing with the pressure of her responsibilities.
Will helps Alyce see that failure is not something to be feared but a stepping stone toward improvement. His own imperfections serve as a reminder to Alyce that growth is a continuous process, and every setback is simply part of the journey.
4. The Power of Kindness and Encouragement
Will’s relationship with Alyce is rooted in kindness and encouragement, which are essential for Alyce’s emotional and personal development.
Will doesn’t offer grand gestures of help or advice but instead provides Alyce with consistent, gentle support. He listens to her, encourages her to keep trying, and believes in her even when she struggles to believe in herself.
This constant encouragement from Will plays a crucial role in Alyce’s evolution. She learns that the power of kindness and encouragement can have a profound impact on someone’s growth. Will shows Alyce the importance of lifting others up, and she begins to apply this lesson in her own relationships.
Final Thoughts
Through her interactions with Will, Alyce learns essential lessons about self-worth, confidence, companionship, resilience, and the power of kindness. Will, though a seemingly secondary character in The Midwife’s Apprentice, plays a pivotal role in helping Alyce unlock her potential. His support teaches her to trust herself and others, embrace her imperfections, and approach life with an open heart and mind.
The lessons Alyce learns from Will are timeless and universal, reminding readers that personal growth often comes from the most unexpected places and relationships.
