(Albrecht, 724)
The ideal of the nuclear’ family unit was widespread during the 1950’s in the United States. Quantitative data presented by the American Sociological Association(image above) illustrates the idea of family values, marriage, home and children being abundant in literature during the 1950’s. It showed in 324 pieces of literature, 92% discussed directly or implicitly shown traditional family values of the 1950’s, and only 8% presented alternative family ideals. Even while there were only small pockets of …show more content…
Hulga is given more depth than just she has a disability, however, the short story puts an emphasis that she did not ‘overcome’ her disability. Hulga is made to be a character who is unashamed of her disability, this is showcased by her statement “Here I am, take me as I am.”(). Nonetheless it is very clear that the community around is uncomfortable and perturbed by her missing leg. One character, Mrs. Hopewell even has the thought of "she could walk without malcing the awful noise… but she made it ... because it was ugly-sounding" (275). With moments such as these in the book, the reader focuses more on whether or not Hulga ‘exaggerates’ her disability, rather than taking time to admire her for her confidence. Hulga is not allowed the readers sympathy or respect, since her successes of education being the item of commentary and her education being downgraded by her living with her