Mother’s Day | Lesson 3 | English | Snapshots | Class 11th | Summary | Questions and Answers |

 

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English | Class 11th | Snapshots | NCERT

Mother’s Day | Lesson 3 | Summary | Questions and Answers |

 

Short Summary

            “Mother’s Day” by J.B. Priestley is a humorous one-act play that highlights the undervalued role of mothers in a family. The story revolves around Mrs. Annie Pearson, a typical housewife, who is taken for granted by her husband, George, and her children, Doris and Cyril. They expect her to cater to their every need without appreciation or concern for her well-being.

With the help of her assertive neighbour, Mrs. Fitzgerald, who practices fortune-telling and has magical powers, Mrs. Pearson’s personality is temporarily swapped with Mrs. Fitzgerald’s. The assertive and confident behaviour of Mrs. Fitzgerald in Mrs. Pearson’s body surprises and shocks her family. She refuses to serve them and demands respect, forcing them to realize her worth.

The play humorously portrays the theme of self-respect and the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of mothers in the household. It ends on a positive note, with the family beginning to appreciate Mrs. Pearson more, recognizing the need for mutual respect.

 

Reading With Insight

Question 1. This play, written in the 1950s, is a humorous and satirical depiction of the status of the mother in the family.

(i) What are the issues it raises?

Answer: The play addresses the undervaluation of mothers in families, the lack of appreciation for their hard work, and the imbalance in household responsibilities. It highlights how mothers are often taken for granted, expected to serve without receiving respect or gratitude.

(ii) Do you think it caricatures these issues or do you think that the problems it raises are genuine? How does the play resolve the issues? Do you agree with the resolution?

Answer: While the play uses humour and exaggeration, the issues it raises are genuine. The caricatured behaviour helps to emphasize the absurdity of the family’s disregard for the mother’s role. The play resolves these issues by having Mrs. Pearson stand up for herself (with Mrs. Fitzgerald’s help), leading her family to realize their mistakes. The resolution suggests that mutual respect and understanding can correct these dynamics. Many might agree with this resolution, though in reality, such changes often require consistent effort rather than a sudden transformation.

Question 2. If you were to write about these issues today what are some of the incidents, examples and problems that you would think of as relevant?

Answer: If writing about these issues today, one might include examples such as the mental load mothers bear in managing household duties, the societal expectations for women to balance work and family, and the challenges of unequal division of labour at home. Modern incidents could also involve discussions around parental leave, shared parenting responsibilities, and the evolving roles of fathers and mothers in contemporary families.

Question 3. Is drama a good medium for conveying a social message? Discuss.

Answer: Drama is an excellent medium for conveying social messages as it engages audiences emotionally and intellectually. It allows for the exploration of complex issues in a relatable and impactful way. The use of dialogue, character development, and conflict resolution helps in illustrating social dilemmas, making abstract ideas more concrete and accessible. The immediacy of live performance or even film adaptations can leave a lasting impression on the audience.

Question 4. Read the play out in parts. Enact the play on a suitable occasion.

Answer: Reading the play aloud in parts can be an enriching experience, enhancing understanding of character dynamics and dialogue. Enacting the play on occasions like Mother’s Day could provide a humorous yet meaningful way to highlight the importance of recognizing and respecting the roles of mothers in families.

Question 5. Discuss in groups plays or films with a strong message of social reform that you have watched.

Answer: Plays and films with strong messages of social reform, like *Death of a Salesman* by Arthur Miller or *To Kill a Mockingbird*, explore societal issues such as economic pressures and racial injustice. Discussing such works can provide insights into how art reflects and critiques societal norms, inspiring conversation and potential change.