The Struggles of Motherhood The use of a first-person narrative in the short story “I Stand Here Ironing” by Tillie Olsen makes it relatable and personal. Although the narrator's identity is not provided in the short story, the narrator is filled with despair and regrets her past choices. “I Stand Here Ironing” focuses on motherhood, economic instability, personal identity and guilt. Although Tillie Olsen does not specify the exact date in the short story, it is set during the Great Depression of the 1930s and World War II in the late 1940s or early 1950s. Furthermore, in the short story, the narrator became pregnant at the age of nineteen and conceived Emily during the pre-relief, pre-WPA world of depression. The economy was in great crisis during the time of the Great Depression. In addition to the economic crisis, the narrator was abandoned by Emily's father. Despite the scarcity of jobs, Tillie Olsen's intent in writing "I Stand Here Ironing" was to reveal the difficulties of working-class families and single parents. The depiction of Tillie Olsen's convalescent home in the story teaches the reader not to be fooled by external beauty alone. The barrier in the convalescent home symbolizes obstacles and absence. Tillie Olsen teaches the importance of companionship and love in her portrayal of Emily and her mother. The time period fits the narrative perfectly and provides insight into how low-income families strive to survive. Tillie Olsen recognizes the importance of self-esteem and identity in the story. Olsen's decision to omit the geographic location is unknown, it may be that Olsen wanted the story to be relatable and not limit it to a certain state or city. The narrator is portrayed as a selfless woman, who has unconditional love for her children. Tillie Olsen recognizes the importance of motherhood and the challenges she faces