Week 2 Question#4

As I read the story "I Stand Here Ironing" by Tillie Olsen is a reliable narrator because she provided a good portrayal of the life and regret of a young mother whose having a hard time raising her oldest daughter. The mother- daughter relationship is the major part of the story and the attitude of the mother toward her daughter, Emily. In addition, the actual character of the mother is shown in the whole story as a very important element. The character of the mother can be said to be strong and persevering, and along with her age and experience came her wisdom. At first her attitude towards her daughter seemed more of resigned and regretful, but as Emily grew up and became a beautiful and talented young women, the mother knows to let her be and leave her to live her own life. The portrayal of the mother touches me most when it is told in the story that it is a crucial role because it will determine her attitudes toward her daughter. The mother at first, seemed very naive and weak, but as she lives, she learns to take life as it comes and tries her very best. In life comes regret in the end when you made a wrong decision in life. However, it compensates you the knowledge and experiences you gain from it to pass it on to the next generations as a lesson learned.