Introduction
And now at last her body, which had long been no more than a shard supported only by the force
of honesty and duty, had fallen.
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— Isaac Bashevis Singer
In Isaac Bashevis Singer’s essay entitled “The Washwoman,” which originally appeared in his
book A Day of Pleasure and which appears in Holt, Rinehart, and Winston’s Elements of Literature: Third
Course, Singer presents a character study that is truly inspiring. We find so many examples of success in
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our society, but we rarely have insight into the hard work and discipline that goes into becoming
successful. The washwoman presents an example of integrity, hard work, and persistence that isn’t
rewarded with fame and fortune. And while she is largely unnoticed by her society, the washwoman
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commands admiration because of her quiet dignity and humble spirit.
There are a number of good reasons for using “The Washwoman” with younger high school
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students. First, the tale of this small and seemingly fragile woman is compelling. Singer builds empathy
for the washwoman, and his brief, but meaningful eulogy, highlights her life without becoming
melodramatic. Second, the essay offers a picture of life from a different time, and for some a different
religion and culture. Set in Poland, 1915, the essay offers a view into the lives of a Jewish family living in
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Warsaw and their encounters with a Gentile woman who does their laundry. Finally, the format and
purpose of the writing enable you to discuss the different genres of non-fiction. In this case you will be
able to introduce the format of personal essays and how they are used.
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Using “The Washwoman” can be a good opportunity for students to interact with a moving and
inspirational essay. The essay is short and easy to read. Yet it is also an excellent opportunity to teach, or
reinforce, some reading strategies and skills for readers who sometimes struggle.
© 2003 - 2009 Seward Incorporated
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Objectives
To introduce students to the genre of “personal essay.”
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To offer students the chance to learn about a different time and place.
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To provide students with some useful reading strategies.
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To give students the chance to be creative.
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Higher Order Thinking Skills
Applying—Carrying out or using a procedure in a given situation.
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Being metacognitive—Being aware of one's own comprehension and being able and willing to repair
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comprehension breakdowns when they occur.
Creating—Putting elements together to form a coherent or functional whole, reorganizing elements
into a new pattern or structure.
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© 2003 - 2009 Seward Incorporated
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