The Portrayal of Motherhood in Amy Tan’s “Two Kinds” and Tillie Olsen’s “I Stand Here Ironing”

 

The Portrayal of Motherhood in Amy Tan’s “Two Kinds” and Tillie Olsen’s “I Stand Here Ironing”

Motherhood is a complex and multifaceted role that has been explored in various literary works. In Amy Tan’s “Two Kinds” and Tillie Olsen’s “I Stand Here Ironing,” the authors delve into the struggles and challenges faced by mothers and their relationships with their daughters. While both stories depict the complexities of motherhood, they differ in their portrayal of the mother-daughter dynamic and the impact of societal pressures. Through their distinct narratives, Tan and Olsen present contrasting perspectives on the role of mothers in shaping their daughters’ lives.

In “Two Kinds,” Amy Tan explores the strained relationship between a Chinese immigrant mother and her American-born daughter. The mother, driven by her own unfulfilled dreams, imposes high expectations on her daughter, Jing-mei. The story highlights the mother’s relentless pursuit of transforming her daughter into a prodigy, pushing her to excel in various activities. This is evident when the narrator states, “My mother believed you could be anything you wanted to be in America” (Tan). The mother’s ambition stems from her desire to provide her daughter with opportunities she herself did not have as an immigrant.

In contrast, Tillie Olsen’s “I Stand Here Ironing” portrays a mother who reflects upon her tumultuous journey through motherhood. The story revolves around a working-class single mother who struggles to raise her daughter, Emily, under challenging circumstances. The mother’s narrative is filled with regret and self-doubt as she recounts the hardships they faced. She acknowledges the limitations imposed upon her by poverty and societal pressures, lamenting, “What in me demanded that goodness in her? And what was the cost, the cost to her of such demands?” (Olsen).

While both stories depict mothers who face difficulties in raising their daughters, they diverge in their portrayal of the mother-daughter relationship. In “Two Kinds,” the strained relationship is primarily driven by the mother’s relentless pursuit of her own ambitions through her daughter’s success. This creates tension and resentment between the two characters, as Jing-mei rebels against her mother’s expectations. This can be seen when Jing-mei declares, “I won’t let her change me” (Tan). The story emphasizes the clash between individual identity and parental expectations.

On the other hand, “I Stand Here Ironing” portrays a more empathetic and understanding perspective on motherhood. While the mother in this story acknowledges her shortcomings and regrets, she also displays a deep love and concern for her daughter. Despite their difficult circumstances, the story highlights the mother’s unwavering dedication to Emily’s well-being. This can be observed when she reflects, “I would work for food or clothes for her but I would not work for a soul, for myself” (Olsen). The story emphasizes the sacrifices made by mothers for their children.

In conclusion, both Amy Tan’s “Two Kinds” and Tillie Olsen’s “I Stand Here Ironing” explore the complexities of motherhood and the challenges faced by mothers in shaping their daughters’ lives. While “Two Kinds” portrays a strained relationship driven by parental expectations and societal pressures, “I Stand Here Ironing” presents a more compassionate portrayal of a mother’s love and sacrifices. These contrasting perspectives shed light on the multifaceted nature of motherhood and highlight the different ways in which mothers navigate their roles amidst external influences and personal aspirations.

Works Cited

Tan, Amy. “Two Kinds.” CommonLit, 1989. Link https://www.commonlit.org/en/texts/fyc-two-kinds

Olsen, Tillie. “I Stand Here Ironing.” The Short Story Project, 1956. Link https://shortstoryproject.com/stories/i-stand-here-ironing/