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The Washwoman. By Issac Bashevis Singer. First, Some Reflection…. 1. For you, what was “The Washwoman” about? Take a quick look at this list and make an impulsive decision. For now, just decide—what was the major topic in this story? work dignity
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The Washwoman By Issac Bashevis Singer
First, Some Reflection… 1. For you, what was “The Washwoman” about? Take a quick look at this list and make an impulsive decision. For now, just decide—what was the major topic in this story? • work dignity • acceptance of people who are different • generosity • faith • pride • God’s love for everyone • persistence • Forgiveness • loyalty
2. Now take a few minutes to think about the topic you chose. Why did you identify that as the central topic of the essay? Find a passage or two in the story that might have caused you to focus on this idea. Write brief discussion notes elaborating on your thoughts about the passage you identified. Before you write your notes, be sure to check the responses you recorded as you read.
Working Together 3. Finally, meet with a few other readers and compare your responses. As you talk, be alert for differences of opinion. As the discussion draws to a close, note the questions you’ve raised and the points you’d like to discuss further with the entire class
Characterization • Character Chart – Characterize the characters listed below
Key Points of the Story *KNOW VOCABULARY WORDS • This story, like the story of Lance Armstrong, is a story of strength and persistence • The washwoman had to show strength in many ways, some examples being still working hard at her age, still loving her son despite the fact he disowned her, and keeping herself alive in order to return all the clothes
Key Points of the Story • The washwoman was a Gentile working for a Jewish family among many others; she was in her seventies but did her work and did it well despite the hardships of laundering – having no faucet, the washwoman had to go to a pump and get water, she also carried the large bundle of clothes on her back for a walk that lasted about an hour and a half; with these and other hardships, the woman had a lot to endure for her low-paying job • The reason that Singer begins the story by talking about the janitor is to show that even as a Jewish family, they had contact with Gentiles
Key Points of the Story • The washwoman had a son who was rich but did not support her in any way – he felt that her job was lowly and meaningless; despite this, she waited outside the day of his wedding – this shows strength and unconditional love because no matter what, this woman still loved and would always love her son • From the relationship the washwoman had with her son, Singer’s mother became fearful that one day her own children would treat her the way the washwoman’s son treated her; despite this, she still cared for and loved her children, because she knew that for the most part there probably was nothing to worry about
Key Points of the Story • One winter was extremely harsh and the washwoman had a hard time reaching the family home; she was nearly 80 at this point, and Mrs. Singer offered her tea and food to warm herself • Singer described the washwoman’s hands as “the stubbornness of mankind, of the will to work not only as one’s strengths permits but beyond the limits of one’s own power”, stating that the washwoman worked above and beyond what she could do
Key Points of the Story • The washwoman usually returned clothes after 2-3 weeks, but weeks passed and passed with no washwoman; the family assumed that she had died and in her absence Mrs. Singer found old clothes and patched them • One day, the washwoman came back and told them of her disease – they thought that she was to die and called for a priest as well as for the son, who contributed for a funeral; however, one day, the washwoman felt better and finished the wash not only for the Singers but for other families as well
Key Points of the Story • Mrs. Singer stated that the washwoman would live to be 120, but the washwoman stated with ”God forbid!”, stating how the work is becoming more difficult and she is losing strength; she left, promising to return in a few weeks, but died before that time – it is stated that Singer could not imagine a world where there is no reward for the effort and strength of the washwoman
Questions to Think About • The story is told in what person (and omniscient or limited)? ____________________________ • What would you say the theme of this story could be? • Any other information that could be important:
