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?
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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
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Character Chart – Characterize the characters
listed below
Characters
Washwoman
Mother
Narrator
Characteristics
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
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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 lowpaying 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
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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
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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
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Key Points of the Story
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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)?
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 What would you say the theme of this
story could be?
 Any other information that could be
important:
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