Blog #3: Pg. 65, Writing 2

Tillie Olsen’s story, “I Stand Here Ironing” and Tracey Baran’s photograph, “Mom Ironing” speak many differences and similarities about relationships family members have and what is important to them. The theme here is focused primarily on the emotional viewpoint of Baran’s childhood. Throughout these two pieces of art, both depict an image of the daughter, Emily just not caring about herself. As seen in the photo and described in the story, school is not a high priority for her. The photo clearly illustrates her as the typical “couch-potato” who seems to think everything is done for her when she wants. Her clothing characterizes someone who doesn’t put in much thought or effort and the way she lounges back in a chair with a red Dixie-cup represents she drinks and most likely watches TV all day. Her finger biting also adds to this conclusion, as she in all likelihood, doesn’t care about her physical appearance.

Both “I Stand Here Ironing” and the photo illustrate how the mother tries to do everything to please Emily, but in return receives nothing. The mother deeply tries to build a bond with her daughter, but after so much effort, it is simply a let down. The difference between the photo and story is that no interaction between the mother and daughter is shown in the picture. Throughout the story, it is clear to the reader that there has been an effort on the mother’s part to try and obtain a mother/daughter relationship. Another observation is Emily’s stiff, thin and foreign-looking appearance. In the story it is made quite clear that she is frail and disappointed in her body shape. However, when it comes to the photo, “Mom Ironing”, Emily does not seem to portray a very sickening image. In contrast, she seems more on the average/heading towards over-weight size.

The most striking image and theme that stands out is the mother looking very tired and worn out. In the photo, she seems to think this “labor-work” is expected of her as a mother. Throughout the story, this is equally evident; “There was so little time at night after the kids were bedded down. I would be ironing, or preparing food for the next day, or writing V-mail to Bill, or tending to the baby. “ This idea of placing all the duties and house chores on the mother, is extremely saddening. In conclusion, the landscape of Baran’s childhood represented in the story and photo are visually and emotionally destructive, giving the audience a feeling of sympathy for the mother and that too, of Emily.

As mentioned in this article, “Daughters have high expectations for mother and often base their self-esteem and sense of self-worth on Mom’s perception of herself. If daughters feel their mother’s lack of confidence, it may weaken their own sense of self-confidence.” This exact theme is very relevant to the photo and story, with the sense that Emily most likely obtained this odd behavior from the image her mother portrayed to her.

http://lifestyle.indianetzone.com/relationship/1/mother-daughter_relationships.htm