Author is giving a lot of details of Washwoman and Washwoman's son and we can say that their characters are two opposites.
Washwoman is one very old and small woman that is doing her work as it should and she is not ashamed of it like her son. Her son is not inviting her to his wedding because he is ashamed of his mother and that is saying a lot about him.
He is appearing as one selfish child without feelings. His mother is not bitter because of him, she is a good and hard working woman. Also, the author is showing their financial situation, Washwoman's son is wealthy and she is just a hard working woman who is showing a lot of effort.
