The document summarizes Isaac Bashevis Singer's short story "The Washwoman". It describes an old woman who worked as a laundry worker to support herself, despite facing hardships. Her son disrespected and neglected her, never visiting or inviting her to his wedding. The woman refused to beg or go to an old age home, instead choosing to continue working stubbornly through her arthritis and limitations to maintain her independence and dignity. The story examines themes of self-respect, hard work, and the affront of a son dishonoring his mother's role.

1. The Washwoman
Isaac Bashevis Singer
By
Capt Dr Hardeepsinh R Gohil

2. Isaac Bashevis Singer
⬩ Eminent figure of Yiddish Literary Movement
⬩ 1978 he won the Nobel Prize for Literature.
⬩ He has to endure separation from the family both
during WWI and WWII.
⬩ In US he started career as a journalist
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3. Food for thought
1. How self dignity, honesty, hard work, independence of mind and
character influences society and individual?
2. Inaffectiveness of socio, economic or religious background in case of
dignity and self respect.
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4. The Washwoman
⬩ A memory of the author about a woman who used
to provide laundry service to his family.
⬩ The remarkable strength and dignity which makes
her fiercely independent.
⬩ Her son was not dutiful towards her.
⬩ A story between gentiles and Jews as well as
mother and son.
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5. The Washwoman
⬩ The process of washing.
⬩ The qualities of the Old Woman
⬩ Affront of the entire institution of motherhood.
⬩ The will to work, “A donkey may permit himself to
fall under his burden, but not human being, the
crown of creation.”
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6. Affront of the entire institution of
motherhood.
⬩ She had a reach son who was ashamed of her-
never come to see her.
⬩ The son had not even invited mother for his
wedding.
⬩ ‘he does not even know the meaning of loyalty’
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7. The qualities of the Old Woman
⬩ She could have joined begging at the door steps of
the church.
⬩ She would have gone to old age home!
⬩ But she decides to struggle.
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8. The process of washing.
⬩ No faucet- need to wash at water pump-
⬩ for linen- to clean them properly- scrubbing
properly- rinse with washing soda- soaked- boiled
in an enormous pot- starched and then iron.
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9. The will to work.
⬩ The finger gnarled from work, and perhaps from
arthritis too.
⬩ Her finger nails were strangely white.
⬩ The hands reflects stubbornness of mankind – the
will to work – not only as one’s strength permits
but beyond the limits of one’s power.
⬩ The incident of sever cold and her dutiful
behaviour to return the clothes of the customers.
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