I Stand Here Ironing

Answer to Question #3:
In "I Stand Here Ironing", Emily's mother feels a tremendous amount of guilt. This feeling is definitely warranted. There is a whole history of neglect to this first child, for example:"They persuaded me at the clinic to send her away to a convalescent home in the country where "she can have the kind of food and care you can't manage for her, and you'll be free to concentrate on the new baby."(285) It seems Emily's mother was easily influenced, and had skills of justifying her actions, which led to serial events of neglect. Now she is reminiscing about the past and understanding that she could of done things differently, feels it is "too late for Emily"(285). I think that it would be impossible for a mother not to feel guilty about the up-bringing Emily endured. I don't hold Emily's mother completely responsible for the neglect, as life is a huge obstacle, and the bills need to be paid somehow, but she could have made better choices. I believe she is an adequate mother because she did what she needed to do at the time, and Emily turns out alright, in-spite-of the events of her childhood. Now mother has insight and hopefully will try and make-up for lost time with Emily.