I actually loved this short story. There is a lot I identified with, as a mother, as a daughter and as a sibling. As a child of a single mother, who struggled to raise 3 daughters by herself while working. There is a lot of regret and sadness in the way she describes the past. You can tell how much she loves Emily, but as a young , inexperienced and overwhelmed mother there was much she could not do. She is resigned to the fact, she watched her daughter from a distance, with her hands full of work and other kids that demanded all of her. She knows how much her neglect impacted Emily's life, but she is certain that this child has an inner strength, both of character and as a result of all the difficult circumstances she faced. She may not be all that she could be, but she is certain Emily will find her way.
Raised by a single mom and I got my first coming (probably) this month. This story made me cry. Once she said "My wisdom came too late" the dam broke and I could hardly see the words to keep reading. I haven't admitted this to anyone, but I'm so scared Dexter's life won't be as good as it could have been if we'd waited till we were more financially secure, till we had more wisdom. While this story reminds me that he's not going to have it as easy as the other kids (which is a painful reminder), it gives me the much needed hope that he will overcome.
@@granthagen3207 your child will be blessed to have a caring, loving parent like yourself. He will miles ahead of so many who may be given a lot of material needs, but neglected emotionally.
This is a great story. Tillie Olsen was a Jewish socialist in addition to being a second-wave feminist. I love the line "So all that is in her will not bloom - but in how many does it? There is still enough left to live by." A lot of insight coupled with a lot of regret there.
This story sounds like a great example of Kierkegaard's second mode of existence--that being ethical duties. It can be difficult to figure out what the "right" thing is to do, but the right thing to do can be difficult to adjust, depending on environment, or whatnot. I could be completely off, as I have not read this, but from this discussion, that was my first thought.
Hi guys:) I have I couple questions 1-Dose the narrator make a good mother? Explain please 2-In your opinion, will Emily have a better life than the mother?
I need to read this! The novel I’m currently working on is exploring this period along with similar themes. It would be good research to read similar work.
What i'd like to know is whether this laughter and humor is real or is it a kind of defense mechanism? Can we forget that there was an identification of the need for help. So should the laughter and humor be looked into, coz nowhere do we hear Emily's reason why.
I actually loved this short story. There is a lot I identified with, as a mother, as a daughter and as a sibling. As a child of a single mother, who struggled to raise 3 daughters by herself while working. There is a lot of regret and sadness in the way she describes the past. You can tell how much she loves Emily, but as a young , inexperienced and overwhelmed mother there was much she could not do. She is resigned to the fact, she watched her daughter from a distance, with her hands full of work and other kids that demanded all of her. She knows how much her neglect impacted Emily's life, but she is certain that this child has an inner strength, both of character and as a result of all the difficult circumstances she faced. She may not be all that she could be, but she is certain Emily will find her way.
Yeah, I agree with this. I wonder if my own life being much different allowed me to intellectualize it but not feel it.
--Una
Raised by a single mom and I got my first coming (probably) this month. This story made me cry. Once she said "My wisdom came too late" the dam broke and I could hardly see the words to keep reading. I haven't admitted this to anyone, but I'm so scared Dexter's life won't be as good as it could have been if we'd waited till we were more financially secure, till we had more wisdom. While this story reminds me that he's not going to have it as easy as the other kids (which is a painful reminder), it gives me the much needed hope that he will overcome.
@@granthagen3207 your child will be blessed to have a caring, loving parent like yourself. He will miles ahead of so many who may be given a lot of material needs, but neglected emotionally.
This video saved my grade in English. Thank you!
This is a great story. Tillie Olsen was a Jewish socialist in addition to being a second-wave feminist. I love the line "So all that is in her will not bloom - but in how many does it? There is still enough left to live by." A lot of insight coupled with a lot of regret there.
Oh yeah. It didn't stick out to me while reading it but seeing it now definitely makes me wish it had. Thanks for sharing.
I love the story too. There is a biography of her I’ve been meaning to get, but it’s expensive - I’ll get it eventually.
Thank you guys, this was super helpful for me as a college student in a second year literature class (:
Will listen to this after I get my hands on this story
Woo
This story sounds like a great example of Kierkegaard's second mode of existence--that being ethical duties. It can be difficult to figure out what the "right" thing is to do, but the right thing to do can be difficult to adjust, depending on environment, or whatnot. I could be completely off, as I have not read this, but from this discussion, that was my first thought.
Oh yeah. Her ethics pulled her away for sure. Just needed the aesthetic and holy one to complete the phases!
Hi guys:) I have I couple questions
1-Dose the narrator make a good mother? Explain please
2-In your opinion, will Emily have a better life than the mother?
I need to read this! The novel I’m currently working on is exploring this period along with similar themes. It would be good research to read similar work.
That sounds exciting!
Wait, it sounds like we could look forward to another Una Jr - I got distracted here!
Unlikely
YOU ARE GREATTTT ✨
I suspect the rumors of our greatness are greatly exaggerated.
What i'd like to know is whether this laughter and humor is real or is it a kind of defense mechanism? Can we forget that there was an identification of the need for help. So should the laughter and humor be looked into, coz nowhere do we hear Emily's reason why.