In Tille Olson's I stand Here Ironing readers discover the life of a mother-daughter relationship that has been sour from the start. The mother is discussing her daughter with some kind of shrink or counselor. Though out this discussion it is shown why the daughter's character is what it is. There is also a lot shown of the mother's character and why she failed in raising her daughter.
             The daughter Emily, was shunned her whole life. Her mother sends her to live with her father's family for a while so she can work. When she does this, it is the first sign of rejection that the child sees. It is a starting block for a wall of depression. When she came back the mother didn't see the child as a piece of her own flesh and blood. She saw the father every time she looked in child's eyes. She wasn't impressed with Emily not matter what she did.
             The mother had another child. When it was born she was persuaded to put Emily in a sanitarium "so she could concentrate on the baby". Another block gets laid in the wall. When Emily finally comes back, she has the measles and must wait even longer to be reunited with her family. Which adds on another harmful effect to the child's character.
             This is the time when Emily starts to get nightmares. She screams and screams for her mother but her shouts get no affection. Not unless the baby needed something as well. Readers start to see a pattern with the mother and her feelings for her daughter, and her priority for the baby. This kind of treatment can have devastating affects on a child.
             At her school Emily discovered her talents in acting. Though her home wasn't all she had hoped. She found laughter and joy acting out her characters in plays. When she finally started being recognized by the city and state, we finally see her mother show attention towards her daughter.
             The mother was not proud to have Emily as a daug
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