Ono no Imoko

In her short story “I Stand Here Ironing”, Tillie Olsen tells the story of a mother who wrestles with guilt and justification in the circumstances surrounding her daughter’s troubles. The teacher sends a request to meet to discuss Emily’s problems in school (Olsen, 607). Word choices the educator uses in her request shows her desperation to help Emily (Olsen, 607) however, the appeal strikes deeply rooted wounds and worries for the mother (Olsen, 608-612). As the nurture, a mother is concerned with