make a list of specific similarities and differences between the scenes and relationships depicted in this photograph and in Tillie Olsen's story, "i stand here ironing." after you have reread the photograph and story carefully, several times, write the first draft of an essay in which you compare and contrast the aesthetic appeal-and effectiveness-of the photograph and story.

The aesthetic appeals of Tracey Baran's photo, "Mom Ironing," and "I Stand Here Ironong," by Tillie Olsen both have the effect of understanding in the reader. It is not so much an understanding of their situation or knowing exactly who the people and situations in the photo and essay are, but more of an understanding of the relationships and struggles they must have endured in their every day lives. The two cheap drying racks and loads of clothes in the picture represent the many people, and possibly kids, the woman ironing must care for. It also represents the amount of work such a common activity as laundry takes up the woman's time. Somehow, though, the colors and textures of the clothes give a comfortable feel, being blue, neutral, colors and soft, flannel fabrics. This also adds to the blue tone of the picture, which feels sullen but calm, the appeal of such a worn life.

The aesthetic appeal of Olsen's essay has a different appeal of calm. Not that their lives have been so worn as in the picture, but that their struggles were so strenuous and complicated that the women in question had no chance but to be noble and enduring. This, along with word choices such as "glib" and the nostalgic references to the past, appeals to the reader in a touching manner. Such is not the same in the picture which has a more straight forward appeal and is thus easier to capture, the aesthetic appeal of the essay is subtle but quite effective because the reader barely knows he or she is being affected by the tone, structure, and word choices until he or she has finished reading a few times and reflects upon the work later.