“I Stand Here Ironing” by Tillie Olsen: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “I Stand Here Ironing” by Tillie Olsen

“I Stand Here Ironing” by Tillie Olsen first appeared in 1956, a year brimming with social upheaval and self-examination within the United States. Initially published in Pacific Spectator and Stanford Short Stories, the work later found a permanent home in Olsen’s 1961 collection, Tell Me a Riddle. The story’s enduring strength lies in its innovative stream-of-consciousness narration. Through this technique, the protagonist, a working-class mother, grapples with the intricacies of motherhood and the weight of missed chances. Olsen’s poignant portrayal sheds light on the challenges faced by women of this socioeconomic background, particularly the lasting impact on the often-fraught bond with their children.

Main Events in “I Stand Here Ironing” by Tillie Olsen

1. Reflections while Ironing: The narrator, a mother, ponders her daughter’s life as she irons, grappling with memories and emotions.
2. Teacher’s Concern: A teacher expresses worry about the daughter’s well-being, leading the mother to question her own abilities and role.
3. Struggles with Time: Amidst the daily grind, the mother finds it challenging to carve out moments for reflection on her daughter’s journey.
4. Early Memories: Recollections of the daughter as a baby, juxtaposed with the later hardships and adversities she faces.
5. Financial Hardships: The family’s financial struggles force the mother to work, leaving the daughter in the care of others, shaping her early years.
6. Return from Absence: The daughter returns changed after a period away, bearing the marks of physical and emotional hardships endured.
7. Nursery School Necessity: Despite reservations, nursery school becomes a necessity, introducing new challenges and experiences for the daughter.
8. Loneliness and Resilience: The daughter copes with loneliness and discomfort at school, yet displays resilience in the face of adversity.
9. Guilt and Parenting: The mother grapples with guilt over past decisions and their impact on her daughter’s well-being and development.
10. Health Struggles: The daughter faces health challenges, including nightmares and a difficult experience at a convalescent home.
11. Moments of Joy: Despite adversity, the daughter experiences moments of joy, creativity, and resilience throughout her journey.
12. Social Pressures: The mother reflects on societal pressures and their impact on her daughter’s self-image and development.
13. Educational Challenges: The daughter struggles with school, navigating issues of confidence and academic performance.
14. Discovery of Talent: The daughter discovers her talent for comedy and performance, bringing recognition but also new challenges and expectations.
15. Acceptance and Hope: The story ends with the mother’s acceptance of her daughter’s complexities and a desire for her to be seen beyond her struggles, hoping for a brighter future.

Literary Devices in “I Stand Here Ironing” by Tillie Olsen

Device	Short Definition	Example from Story
Alliteration	Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.	“Her hands and feet would blur* in ecstasy.”*
Characterization	Describing a character’s traits.	“The stern but fair teacher instilled a love of learning in her students.”
Conflict	Struggle between characters or within a character.	“Emily’s desire for her mother’s affection clashed with the mother’s need to work.”
Figurative Language	Language that is not meant to be literal.	“He was a pillar of strength during the family’s tribulations.”
Flashback	A return to an earlier event in the story.	“The vivid memory of her mother’s tearful goodbye flooded back to Emily.”
Foreshadowing	Hints about what will happen later in the story.	“The darkened sky and rumbling thunder foreshadowed the coming storm.”
Imagery	Words that evoke sensory details.	“The crisp mountain air carried the sweet scent of pine needles.”
Irony	The opposite of what is expected.	“She crammed for the test all night, but ended up getting a crappy grade.”
Metaphor	A comparison between two things that are not alike but share a common feature.	“Her laughter was a cascade of joy, washing away all our worries.”
Metonymy	Using one thing to refer to another thing closely associated with it.	“The White House announced a new policy.” (Refers to the U.S. government)
Paradox	A statement that seems contradictory but may be true.	“The silence was deafening.”
Personification	Giving human qualities to a non-human thing.	“The wind whispered secrets through the trees.”
Simile	A comparison between two things using “like” or “as.”	“Her eyes twinkled like stars in the night sky.”
Symbol	An object that represents something else.	“The dove is a symbol of peace.”
Theme	The underlying message of the story.	“Hope can persevere even in the darkest of times.”
Tone	The writer’s attitude towards the subject.	“The narrator’s voice is filled with despair and regret.”
Understatement	Downplaying the importance of something.	“There was a slight problem with the engine.” (Meaning the car wouldn’t start)

Characterization in “I Stand Here Ironing” by Tillie Olsen

Major Character:

• The Narrator (Emily’s Mother):
  • Sacrificial and Selfless: “we squeezed our budget to a nub for that year.” (Highlights her sacrifices for Emily)
  • Overwhelmed and Frustrated: “the iron hung heavy in my hand” (Symbolism of the burden she feels)
  • Loving but Doubtful: *”what in me demanded that goodness in her?” (Questions her parenting methods)

Minor Characters:

• Emily:
  • Creative and Expressive: “her imagination vivid and hungry” (Shows her artistic potential)
  • Sensitive and Neglected: “the hurt that never showed in her face” (Suggests emotional struggles)
  • Resilient and Hopeful: “there is still enough of her left to live by” (Hints at her potential to overcome challenges)
• The Father:
  • Absent and Unreliable: “left me when Emily was a baby” (Limited information, but suggests lack of support)
  • Unclear Communication: “It was only with the others I remembered what he said…” (His words have little impact)

Please note:

• The story is told from the mother’s perspective, so we get a more detailed view of her character.
• The characterization of Emily and the father relies more on indirect methods like the mother’s thoughts and memories.

Major Themes in “I Stand Here Ironing” by Tillie Olsen

1. Complexities of Motherhood: Tillie Olsen’s “I Stand Here Ironing” delves into the multifaceted nature of motherhood, portraying the narrator’s internal struggles, guilt, and introspection regarding her daughter’s upbringing. For instance, the narrator reflects on her daughter’s early years, marked by financial constraints that forced her to leave the child in the care of others while she worked. This complexity is evident throughout the narrative as the mother grapples with her perceived shortcomings and attempts to reconcile her past decisions with their impact on her daughter’s life.
2. Influence of Poverty and Societal Expectations: The story vividly illustrates the pervasive influence of poverty and societal norms on the characters’ lives. The narrator’s economic hardships compel her to make difficult choices regarding her daughter’s care, such as sending her to nursery school despite doubts about its quality. The daughter’s experiences of loneliness, discrimination, and social alienation further underscore the impact of socioeconomic status on individual lives, shaping their perceptions and opportunities.
3. Struggles of Adolescence: “I Stand Here Ironing” also explores the tumultuous journey of adolescence, particularly the daughter’s quest for self-discovery and identity amidst adversity. Despite facing various challenges, including illness and social isolation, the daughter exhibits resilience and inner strength. For example, she discovers her talent for comedy and performance, finding solace and recognition in her creative pursuits despite societal pressures and expectations.
4. Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Throughout the narrative, Olsen emphasizes the resilience of the human spirit in confronting life’s hardships. Despite the mother’s regrets and the daughter’s trials, both characters demonstrate an enduring capacity for love, hope, and growth. Moments of connection and understanding between the mother and daughter, as well as the daughter’s ability to find joy and meaning in life despite her circumstances, exemplify this theme. Overall, “I Stand Here Ironing” underscores the resilience of individuals in overcoming challenges and adversity, highlighting the enduring power of human spirit.

Writing Style in “I Stand Here Ironing” by Tillie Olsen

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “I Stand Here Ironing” by Tillie Olsen

Literary Theory	Interpretation	Examples from the Story
Feminist Theory	Through a feminist lens, “I Stand Here Ironing” can be interpreted as a critique of traditional gender roles and societal expectations placed on women and mothers. The story highlights the challenges faced by the narrator as she navigates motherhood amidst poverty, societal pressures, and personal struggles. It also explores themes of female identity, resilience, and the complexities of maternal love.	Example: The narrator’s reflection on her daughter’s upbringing and the sacrifices she made as a mother despite societal norms and expectations.
Marxist Theory	From a Marxist perspective, the story exposes the economic inequalities and class struggles that shape the lives of the characters. The narrator’s financial hardships force her to make difficult decisions about her daughter’s care, highlighting the impact of capitalism on family dynamics and individual lives. Additionally, the daughter’s experiences of poverty and social alienation underscore the systemic injustices perpetuated by economic systems.	Example: The narrator’s depiction of her daughter’s experiences of loneliness and discrimination due to their socioeconomic status, as well as the mother’s reflections on her own struggles to provide for her family amidst financial constraints.
Psychoanalytic Theory	Through a psychoanalytic lens, “I Stand Here Ironing” can be analyzed in terms of the characters’ unconscious motivations, desires, and psychological conflicts. The story delves into the mother’s internal struggles, guilt, and regrets regarding her daughter’s upbringing, as well as the daughter’s journey towards self-discovery and identity formation amidst adversity. Themes of trauma, repression, and the Oedipal complex may also be explored.	Example: The mother’s introspection and emotional turmoil as she reflects on her past decisions and their impact on her daughter’s life, as well as the daughter’s coping mechanisms and resilience in the face of adversity, such as her discovery of creative outlets and talents.
Reader-Response Theory	In a reader-response approach, the interpretation of “I Stand Here Ironing” depends on the individual reader’s experiences, perspectives, and emotional responses to the text. Readers may empathize with the characters’ struggles, relate to their experiences, or interpret the story through their own personal lenses. The narrative’s open-endedness invites readers to reflect on themes of motherhood, resilience, and the human condition.	Example: Readers may resonate with the mother’s feelings of guilt and regret, or they may empathize with the daughter’s resilience and ability to find joy and meaning in life despite adversity.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “I Stand Here Ironing” by Tillie Olsen

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Motherhood	How does the story portray the challenges and sacrifices of motherhood, particularly for working-class women?	The story uses the narrator’s internal monologue and fragmented memories to depict the emotional strain, constant pressure, and difficult choices faced by mothers with limited resources.
Memory and Regret	How does the narrator’s memory and the act of ironing shape the story’s narrative and emotional impact?	The fragmented structure, triggered by the ironing process, reflects the narrator’s struggle to piece together her memories and grapple with the weight of past decisions.
The Impact of Poverty	How do the characters’ economic circumstances influence their relationships and opportunities?	The story shows how poverty creates limitations and burdens on the narrator, restricting her ability to provide for her daughter and ultimately impacting their bond.
The Importance of Communication	How does the lack of clear communication between characters contribute to the conflict and misunderstanding?	The story highlights the consequences of miscommunication, with the narrator questioning her own words and the absent father’s unclear messages contributing to a sense of isolation and missed opportunities.
Resilience and Hope	Despite the challenges, does the story offer any sense of hope for the future?	While the narrator grapples with regret, the story also hints at Emily’s inner strength and potential, suggesting hope for resilience and a chance for a better future.

Short Questions/Answers about/on “I Stand Here Ironing” by Tillie Olsen

Question	Answer	Example from the Story
What is the central theme of “I Stand Here Ironing”?	The central theme of “I Stand Here Ironing” revolves around the complexities of motherhood and the challenges faced by both the mother and daughter amidst poverty, societal expectations, and personal struggles.	Example: The mother’s reflections on her daughter’s upbringing and the sacrifices she made as a mother despite societal norms and expectations.
How does socioeconomic status impact the characters?	Socioeconomic status significantly impacts the characters’ lives, shaping their experiences of poverty, social alienation, and discrimination. The mother’s financial hardships force her to make difficult decisions about her daughter’s care, leading to struggles with childcare and education.	Example: The daughter’s experiences of loneliness and discrimination due to their socioeconomic status, as well as the mother’s reflections on her struggles to provide for her family amidst financial constraints.
What coping mechanisms do the characters employ?	The characters employ various coping mechanisms to navigate their challenges, including resilience, creativity, and emotional expression. The daughter, for example, discovers her talent for comedy and performance, finding solace and recognition in her creative pursuits.	Example: The daughter’s resilience and ability to find joy and meaning in life despite adversity, such as her discovery of creative outlets and talents.
How does the story explore the theme of identity?	The story explores the theme of identity through the daughter’s journey towards self-discovery and the mother’s reflections on her own sense of self amidst adversity. The daughter grapples with issues of self-image, belonging, and acceptance, ultimately finding strength and identity through her creative pursuits.	Example: The daughter’s struggles with school, self-image, and relationships with siblings, as well as her discovery of her talent for comedy and performance, which helps shape her sense of identity and self-worth.

Literary Works Similar to “I Stand Here Ironing” by Tillie Olsen

1. “The Yellow Wallpaper“ by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: This short story explores themes of mental illness, confinement, and patriarchal oppression through the perspective of a woman confined to a room by her husband. Like “I Stand Here Ironing,” it delves into the complexities of women’s experiences and challenges societal norms.
2. “Everyday Use“ by Alice Walker: This short story examines the dynamics between family members and the clash of values between generations. It explores themes of heritage, identity, and the struggle for self-definition, similar to Olsen’s exploration of identity and self-discovery in “I Stand Here Ironing.”
3. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan: This novel delves into the complex relationships between mothers and daughters, exploring themes of cultural identity, intergenerational conflict, and the immigrant experience. Like Olsen’s work, it offers insights into the challenges faced by women and the resilience required to navigate them.
4. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls: This memoir recounts the author’s unconventional upbringing in a dysfunctional family marked by poverty, instability, and neglect. Similar to “I Stand Here Ironing,” it explores the impact of parental decisions on children and the resilience needed to overcome adversity.
5. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath: This semi-autobiographical novel explores themes of mental illness, societal expectations, and the struggle for identity and autonomy. Like Olsen’s work, it offers a poignant portrayal of a woman’s inner turmoil and quest for self-understanding in a challenging world.

Suggested Readings about/on “I Stand Here Ironing” by Tillie Olsen

• Kirschner, Linda Heinlein. “I Stand Here Ironing by Tillie Olsen.” The English Journal 65.1 (1976): 58-59.
• Olsen, Tillie. Silences. Feminist Press at CUNY, 2003.
• Olsen, Tillie. Tell me a riddle. Rutgers University Press, 1995.
• Martin, Abigail. “Tillie Olsen.” (1984).
• Rosenfelt, Deborah. “From the Thirties: Tillie Olsen and the Radical Tradition.” Feminist Criticism and Social Change (RLE Feminist Theory). Routledge, 2013. 216-248.
• Olsen, Tillie. I stand here ironing. ProQuest LLC, 2002.
• https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tillie-Olsen
• http://www.tillieolsen.net/about-tillie.php
• https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/olsen-tillie

Representative Quotations from “I Stand Here Ironing” by Tillie Olsen

Quotation	Context	Theorization
“I stand here ironing, and what you asked me moves tormented back and forth with the iron.”	The narrator stands at an ironing board, reflecting on past conversations and memories. The act of ironing becomes a metaphor for the internal turmoil and conflict she experiences as she grapples with her daughter’s upbringing and the judgment of others.	The ironing represents the ongoing struggle and emotional labor of motherhood. The repetitive motion mirrors the recurring thoughts and doubts that plague the narrator’s mind as she tries to understand and reconcile her daughter’s experiences.
“You think because I am her mother I have a key, or that in some way you could use me as a key?”	The narrator responds to a request for insight into her daughter’s behavior. She challenges the assumption that she holds all the answers to her daughter’s complexities simply because she is her mother. The narrator feels powerless to fully understand or influence her daughter’s life, highlighting the limitations of maternal authority and insight.	This quotation reflects the limitations of maternal authority and the complexity of parent-child relationships. It questions the expectation that mothers possess inherent knowledge or control over their children’s lives. It also suggests the isolating experience of motherhood, where societal expectations often clash with the reality of individual circumstances.
“She was a beautiful baby. The first and only one of our five that was beautiful at birth.”	The narrator reminisces about her daughter’s infancy, recalling her beauty and the joy she brought. Despite her initial loveliness, the narrator acknowledges the external judgments and lack of recognition her daughter faced as she grew older. This contrast highlights society’s narrow standards of beauty and the impact of external perceptions on individual self-worth.	This quotation underscores the theme of societal standards of beauty and the impact of external perceptions on self-esteem. It also reveals the narrator’s conflicting emotions as she grapples with the discrepancy between her daughter’s inherent value and society’s superficial judgments.
“I nursed her. They feel that’s important nowadays.”	The narrator reflects on the expectations and pressures she faced as a mother during her daughter’s infancy. She adhered to societal norms regarding breastfeeding, despite the physical and emotional challenges it presented. This line highlights the narrator’s compliance with external expectations and her uncertainty about the significance of her actions.	This quotation explores the theme of societal expectations and the pressure on mothers to adhere to certain norms and standards of parenting. It also raises questions about the value and meaning of maternal actions in the context of societal ideals and individual circumstances.
“There was so little time left at night after the kids were bedded down.”	The narrator describes the demands of motherhood and the scarcity of time for personal pursuits or rest. She juggles multiple responsibilities, including caring for her children, managing household chores, and attending to her own needs. This reflects the overwhelming nature of motherhood and the sacrifices often required to meet the needs of a family.	This quotation highlights the theme of sacrifice and the challenges faced by mothers in balancing caregiving responsibilities with personal desires and needs. It underscores the toll that constant caregiving can take on an individual’s time, energy, and sense of self, emphasizing the demanding nature of maternal roles.
“She was a child of anxious, not proud, love.”	The narrator reflects on her feelings toward her daughter, acknowledging the limitations and imperfections of her parenting. Despite her love for her daughter, the narrator expresses regret and self-awareness about her shortcomings as a mother. This line encapsulates the narrator’s complex emotions and the impact of external circumstances on her ability to parent effectively.	This quotation explores the theme of maternal love and the challenges of parenthood in difficult circumstances. It highlights the narrator’s self-awareness and humility as she grapples with her own limitations and failures as a mother. It also underscores the resilience and complexity of parent-child relationships in the face of adversity and societal pressures.
“Let her be. So all that is in her will not bloom — but in how many does it?”	The narrator reflects on her daughter’s potential and individuality, urging others to recognize and respect her daughter’s autonomy. She acknowledges that her daughter may not conform to societal expectations or fulfill certain standards of success, but she advocates for her daughter’s right to live authentically and pursue her own path in life.	This quotation emphasizes the theme of individuality and the importance of allowing individuals to define their own identities and destinies. It challenges societal norms and expectations, advocating for acceptance and support of diverse experiences and outcomes. It also celebrates the resilience and uniqueness of individuals who navigate life on their own terms.
“Shoogily. A funny word, a family word, inherited from Emily, Shoogily, invented by her to say: comfort.”	The narrator recalls a word coined by her daughter to convey a sense of comfort and security. This word holds sentimental value for the family, representing the bond and intimacy shared between mother and daughter. It symbolizes the small, cherished moments of connection and affection that sustain them through difficult times.	This quotation highlights the theme of familial bonds and the importance of shared experiences in nurturing emotional connections. It illustrates the power of language to convey love and comfort, even in the absence of material wealth or stability. It also underscores the resilience and resourcefulness of individuals in finding ways to cope with adversity and find solace in each other’s presence.
“I will never total it all. I will never come in to say: She was a child seldom smiled at.”	The narrator reflects on her daughter’s upbringing and the challenges she faced growing up. She acknowledges the hardships and injustices her daughter endured, including neglect, poverty, and societal prejudice. Despite her efforts to provide love and support, the narrator grapples with feelings of guilt and inadequacy as she confronts the harsh realities of her daughter’s life.	This quotation explores the theme of regret and the complexities of parental responsibility in shaping a child’s upbringing. It highlights the narrator’s awareness of her own limitations and the external factors that influenced her daughter’s development. It also underscores the enduring impact of childhood experiences on individual identity and self-perception.
“She will find her way.”	The narrator expresses hope and confidence in her daughter’s ability to navigate life’s challenges and find her own path. Despite the hardships and obstacles she has faced, the narrator believes in her daughter’s resilience and inner strength. This line conveys a sense of optimism and faith in the future, emphasizing the narrator’s enduring love and support for her daughter.	This quotation reflects the theme of resilience and the power of individual agency in overcoming adversity. It illustrates the narrator’s belief in her daughter’s autonomy and capacity for growth, despite the challenges she has faced. It also underscores the importance of parental encouragement and belief in a child’s potential to thrive in the face of adversity.