"I Stand Here Ironing"

"I Stand Here Ironing" by Tilly Olsen is a remarkable little story about a mother and her relationship, or rather perhaps more tellingly, her lack of a relationship with her first daughter, Emily. As a single mother in the 1930s, Emily's mother tried desprately to raise her child and earn a living. Luckily this was the first generation in which women were encouraged to have a career, if only because the men were at war.As she struggled to support herself and her daughter, the relationship between them struggle as well, so much to the point that when Emily's teacher or guidance counselor asks for advice on how to tame the young girl in the classroom, the mother has no idea. ("Even if I came what good would it do? You think because I am her mother I have a key, or that in some way you could use me as a key?" Pg 

The story is heartfelt. It shows Emily's mother regret and wishes of how she could have lived her life so that she could have spent more time with her and helped to shape her personality. She also does not and feels as if she cannot accept the blame for it either. She has come to the conclusion for herself that this situation is the kind of situation that could not be helped, and that no blame really should be placed anywhere, especially since nineteen years, "happened outside of me, beyond me." (pg 1)

The story culminates in the hope that she will learn for herself and do better; a daring thought for the 50s, but the mother has basically abandoned her own childs well-being, and wished her luck in the outside world.