Comparative Analysis of Walker’s Everyday Use and Olsen’s I Stand Here Ironing

Introduction

In the stories "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker and "I Stand Here Ironing" by Tillie Olsen, both narratives delve into the theme of maternal guilt and its impact on their daughters' lives. These mothers express self-criticism and anguish over the paths their children have taken. In "I Stand Here Ironing," the focus is on the narrator's daughter, Emily, while in "Everyday Use," the two daughters are Maggie and Dee. These tales illuminate the multifaceted challenges of maternal guilt and its potential consequences on their children's futures. Although neither mother explicitly admits to feeling guilty, their actions and thoughts, such as Dee's desire to claim the quilts in "Everyday Use," reveal their inner turmoil. In "I Stand Here Ironing," the mother candidly explores her feelings of guilt regarding Emily, delving into her perceived inadequacies as a parent. Both stories share striking similarities and differences in how these mothers have raised their daughters.

Mother-Daughter Relationships in "Everyday Use" and "I Stand Here Ironing"

The central theme of motherhood runs prominently through both narratives. In "I Stand Here Ironing," the mother grapples with guilt stemming from her decision to leave her children in suboptimal care while she worked to support her family. Sibling dynamics also play a significant role in both stories. In "Everyday Use," Dee's changed appearance upon her return creates tension between her and Maggie, who is unaccustomed to her sister's new persona. Following the dispute over the quilts, Dee admonishes Maggie, saying, "You ought to try to make something of yourself, too, Maggie. It's really a new day for us. But from the way you and Mama still live you'd never know it" (Walker 10382). Furthermore, both narratives feature mothers comparing their daughters to one another. In "Everyday Use," Mama highlights the physical differences between Maggie and Dee, while in "I Stand Here Ironing," the mother contrasts Emily's characteristics with societal ideals. Physical disabilities also emerge as common threads; both Maggie and Emily contend with physical challenges.

Symbolism plays a significant role in both stories. In "I Stand Here Ironing," the iron serves as a symbol of the mother's relentless struggle to provide for her children. She equates the creases in the clothing with the hardships she has endured. She poignantly expresses, "I stand here ironing, and what you ask me moves tormented back and forth with the iron" (Olsen 9850). Similarly, in "Everyday Use," the quilt symbolizes heritage and conflict resolution. Passed down through generations, the quilts hold significant cultural value. The theme that permeates both stories is that of motherhood, encompassing the desire to ensure one's children have everything they need, to instill respect for elders, and to foster self-respect in the next generation.

In both of the short stories, the two mothers grapple with the challenges of making ends meet while striving to fulfill societal expectations of motherhood. The role of a mother is undeniably demanding, especially when one is caring for children with disabilities. Despite their impoverished circumstances, both mothers undergo profound transformations in their understanding of motherhood. Their respective daughters represent stark opposites, with one conforming to societal norms and the other resisting them.

In "I Stand Here Ironing," the mother reflects on her daughter, stating, "She was a child seldom smiled at. Her father left me before she was a year old. I worked six years when there was work, or I sent her home to his relatives" (Olsen 9979). This mother finds herself alone, striving to provide the best for her daughter under challenging circumstances. She exemplifies the resilience and sacrifices mothers are willing to make for their children's well-being. Ultimately, both narratives conclude with the mothers realizing that motherhood encompasses far more than they initially perceived. They come to understand that, regardless of their child's age, ongoing support is essential.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both mothers come to accept their daughters as they are. In "I Stand Here Ironing," the mother allows life to take its course, hoping that her daughters will take control of their own lives one day. Despite the hardships each mother endures, both stories conclude on a hopeful note, emphasizing the immeasurable value of unconditional love. While these women may occasionally grapple with their circumstances, they never lose their dignity. "Everyday Use" and "I Stand Here Ironing" depict two mothers who are willing to endure anything for the sake of their children. Despite facing different struggles, they navigate them with unwavering confidence. Emily and Dee's mothers provide love and support until the very end. These women have undergone unique challenges that have shaped their resilience, portraying them as strong women with compassionate hearts.

Works Cited

1. Walker, A. (1973). Everyday Use. In "In Love & Trouble: Stories of Black Women" (pp. 97-103). Mariner Books.
2. Olsen, T. (1961). I Stand Here Ironing. In "Tell Me a Riddle" (pp. 73-91). Rutgers University Press.
3. Brogan, J. (2001). Tillie Olsen's 'I Stand Here Ironing': A Study Guide from Gale's "Short Stories for Students." Gale, Cengage Learning.
4. Boehm, B. (2015). Understanding Alice Walker. Univ of South Carolina Press.
5. Bloom, H. (Ed.). (2008). Tillie Olsen. Infobase Publishing.
6. Bledsoe, J. (1990). Tillie Olsen and a Feminist Spiritual Vision. The Christian Century, 107(32), 927.
7. Brady, M. L. (1989). 'Everyday Use' and the Black Power Movement. African American Review, 23(1), 7-13.