In “I Stand Here Ironing” by Tillie Olsen, an untraditional relationship between a mother and daughter highlights the importance of a caring mother as well as the struggles faced. This submissive relationship grows through deprivation and lack of affection. As the story evolves, the mother reminisces her daughter’s childhood and cannot help but express guilt and regret. Emily’s beauty from a young age could not replace the lack of emotional support from her mother, causing their relationship to slowly come to an end. A life full of hardship and regret revolved around Emily and her mother. Born in a time of sorrow and depression, affected Emily negatively, for it prevented the narrator from guiding Emily throughout her childhood. As a single
