Ur askan i elden : En mikrohistorisk studie om den lagstridige drängen och samhällets påverkan på dennes liv

Sammanfattning: This essay explores the life of Peter Andersson Holmstedt, a farm-labourer from Öland, Sweden, in the early 19th century and why he conclusively chose to end his life. This essay utilises material from archives to fully represent his life as to portray his various choices and deeds, as well as provide an insight into his mentality. In order to realise this, the essay continuously utilises theoretical groundwork such as microhistory, history of mentality, hermeneutics and structure-agent relationships. Through the insight into Holmstedt’s life, there are links to the religious, familial and judicial systems that intertwine and affect his life to a broad extent; thus revealing whether he is autonomous or not; whether he acts out of necessity or by iniquity. This essay portrays the mind of Holmstedt, and of others in similar situations to a certain extent while giving insight into teaching microhistory with source-material from archives. However, and more importantly, this essay highlights the marginalised individual and gives insight into the ordinary, yet cruel life of the working man of the 19th century.