Olsen's story takes place in the most ordinary of settings: a mother, at home, ironing. As the story develops, this generic setting starts to take on specific characteristics. It is focused on a working class home in the 1950's in America. During the Depression years, many single, working mothers struggled with a lack of social services and financial support. Looking at the mere title of this story conveys the dullness in the lives of women in america at the time. The historical context of the story sets an orthodox tone, and a basis for a stirring revolution to bring liveliness into the lives of women during the great depression.
