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I Stand Here Ironing Analysis

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We all go through things in life that stick with us forever, some may argue that these past experiences/ memories may hinder a person's identity, but I believe in the opposite. There is good in everything, it's all about finding it, instead of being too lazy to search for it. Furthermore, I believe when we choose to look upon our past experiences/memories they shape who we become as individuals; we start viewing life in a more positive way and become stronger than we ever were, our identity will remain the same no matter how bad the situation was.

When we look back at our past experiences, we can connect it with our present and see how it has shaped us into the individuals we have become. In the article “How Your Past Affects Your Present” …show more content…

In the beginning we see Emily struggle with accepting her appearance and lacking in confidence. “She tormented herself enough about not looking like the others, there was enough of the unsureness, the having to be conscious of words before you speak, the constant caring - what are they thinking of me? without having it all magnified by the merciless physical drives.”(Olsen 5). This . On top of that, Emily also had abandonment issues, as a result of her mother constantly sending her away. “I used to try to hold and lover her after she came back, but her body would stiff and after a while she’d push away.” (Olsen 4) Emily’s abandonment issues caused her to think no one would love her, making her act cold towards others. At the end of the story Emily tries out for a comedy show and ends up winning. She continues to do more shows, thus leaving even her mother in shock, because she changed into a new, unrecognizable Emily. “Then: Was this Emily? The control, the command, the convulsing and deadly clowning, the spell then the roaring stamping audience unwilling to let this rare and precious laughter out of their lives” (Olsen 6). Emily didn't allow her lack of confidence and appearance worry her as she was up on stage. She didn't let her abandonment issues convince her that the audience wouldn't like her. All of her past experiences/ memories didn't hinder her identity, Emily was still able to become a better version of

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