Table of ContentsIntroductionThe Mother-Daughter Relationships in "Everyday Use" and "I Stand Here Ironing"ConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionIn the "Everyday Use" Stories by Alice Walker and "I Stand Here Ironing" by Tillie Olsen, the two stories address the theme of maternal guilt and its impact on the lives of their daughters. These mothers express their self-criticism and their anguish in the face of the path taken by their children 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 stories highlight the multifaceted challenges of maternal guilt. and its potential consequences for their children's futures Although neither mother explicitly admits to feeling guilty, their actions and thoughts, such as Dee's desire to reclaim the quilts in "Everyday Use", reveal their guilt. inner turmoil. In “I Stand Here Ironing,” the mother candidly explores her feelings of guilt toward Emily, delving into her perceived inadequacies as a parent. The two stories share striking similarities and differences in how these mothers raised their daughters. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay on mother-daughter relationships in "Everyday Use" and "I'm Here Ironing" The central theme of motherhood appears prominently in both stories. In “I Stand Here Ironing,” the mother struggles with guilt stemming from her decision to leave her children in suboptimal care while she worked to support her family. Sibling dynamics also play an important role in both stories. In "Everyday Use", Dee's change in appearance upon her return creates tension between her and Maggie, who is unused to her sister's new persona. Following the argument over the quilts, Dee scolds Maggie, saying, "You should try to make something of yourself too, Maggie. It's really a new day for us. But the way you and Mom always live , you'll never know" (Walker 10382). Additionally, both stories feature mothers comparing their daughters to each other. 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 appear as a common thread; Both Maggie and Emily face physical challenges. Symbolism plays an important role in both stories. In “I Stand Here Ironing,” iron is the symbol of the mother’s fierce struggle to provide for her children. She equates the wrinkles in the clothes with the hardships she endured. She poignantly expresses: “I stand here ironing, and what you ask of me moves back and forth with the iron” (Olsen 9850). Similarly, in “Everyday Use,” the quilt symbolizes inheritance and conflict resolution. Passed down from generation to generation, quilts have 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 short stories, both mothers face the challenges of making ends meet while striving to meet societal expectations of motherhood. The role of a mother is undeniably demanding, especially when caring for children with disabilities. Despite their poverty situation, the,, 23(1), 7-13.