Major Issues
Author Links
Essay Questions

Major Issues

Tillie Olsen has explored inter-generational relationships, especially between mothers and daughters, through both literary works and photographs. Feminist and Marxist critics have shown interest in Olsen’s presentation of the economic and sexist obstacles to personal fulfillment. Olsen’s major themes, scholars note, include: unrealized dreams; the physical and psychological toll of the burdens placed on women; and financial and personal desperation. Critics praise Olsen’s commitment to feminism and social activism, evident in both her writing and her life. Her contribution to feminist literary studies, especially her promotion of non-conventional forms of women’s writing (such as diaries and notebooks) has also been recognized.

Author Links

Tillie Olsen
This site includes a short biography, bibliography, quotations, and excerpts from reviews.

The Progressive Interview
In this interview Olsen talks about poverty, the Depression, activism, racism, and writing.

Tillie Olsen’s Life
This lengthy biographical essay examines Olsen’s family relationships, political involvement, and evolution into a writer.

The Critics’ Perspective
A summary of critical response to "I Stand Here Ironing."