By J.B. Priestley
A. Before the Chapter
Writing Task:
Good morning respected principal sir, learned teachers and my dear friends. I am Nirmal, a student of class XI. Today, on the occasion of Mother's Day, I want to talk about a topic that holds immense significance in our lives – The Role of Mothers as the Most Important yet Sometimes the Least Respected Members of the Family.
Mothers are the foundation of every family, selflessly dedicating themselves to the well-being and happiness of their loved ones. From the moment we take our first breath, they are our caregivers, teachers, and pillars of strength. They work tirelessly, often sacrificing their own needs for ours. Their love is unconditional, unwavering, and without boundaries.
Yet, it's disheartening to see that in the busyness of our lives, we sometimes overlook the incredible contributions of our mothers. We might forget to acknowledge their efforts, take their presence for granted, or fail to show them the respect they truly deserve.
Respect for our mothers goes beyond just words – it's reflected in our actions, consideration, and empathy. Let's remember that respect is a two-way street. As we grow and become more independent, let's ensure that we give our mothers the respect, gratitude, and love they deserve.
So, let's make a conscious effort to not just celebrate Mother's Day but to honor and cherish our mothers every single day. Let's value their wisdom, their sacrifices, and their boundless love. A simple 'thank you' and a heartfelt hug can go a long way in showing our appreciation.
Remember, the role of a mother is irreplaceable, and it's up to us to make them feel cherished and respected in every way possible.
Thank you.
B. Short Answer Type Questions
1. What problem does Mrs Pearson face? Who do you think is responsible for this state of affairs?
Ans.: Mrs Pearson devotes all her time and energy to serve her husband, son and daughter. These thoughtless and selfish persons go out every night to enjoy themselves leaving Mrs Pearson alone at home. She is no better than a servant in her own home. Mrs Pearson herself is responsible for the ill-treatment, neglect and lack of concern shown to her.
2. Who is Mrs. Fitzgerald? What does she advise Mrs. Pearson?
Ans.: Mrs. Fitzgerald is Mrs. Pearson's neighbor and friend. She is a fortune teller who learnt this art in the East. She encourages Mrs. Pearson to be the mistress in her own house. She acquaints Mrs. Pearson with her rights in the family. She tells her that her husband and children should share her work, the value of her work should be acknowledged by all her family members.
3. What are the two reasons that annoy Doris Pearson?
Ans. Firstly, Doris is annoyed that her mother has not ironed her yellow silk dress which she has to wear that night. Secondly, she has returned home after working hard all day and mother hasn’t even bothered to get her tea ready.
4. How does Mrs Pearson criticize Doris on going out with Charlie Spence?
Ans.: Mrs. Pearson ridicules Doris for going out with Charlie Spence. She comments that Charlie Spence has buck teeth and is half-witted. Mrs. Pearson feels that had she been there in Doris place, she would have found someone better.
5. Why is Cyril Pearson annoyed with his mother? Give two reasons.
Ans.: Cyril feels annoyed when his mother tells him that tea is not ready as she couldn’t bother about it. He esquires if she is not feeling well and then asks her to be quick as he has not too much time. His mother has not taken his things out. She has neither mended them nor is she willing to do so.
6. What changes in the behavior of Mrs. Pearson startle Doris and Cyril? What possible reasons do they suggest?
Ans,: Doris couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw her mother smoking and playing cards. Cyril too noted the change and asked her if she was feeling ill. She looks just the same but her behaviour is suddenly different. Cyril asks if she has gone slightly mad. Doris thinks that she has a concussion as a result of her head hitting something.
7. How does Mrs Pearson teach her children to be responsible adults?
Ans.: First she scolds them for their guffawing and giggling. Then she has a dig at their lifestyle. They just-come in, ask for something, go out again and then return as there’s nowhere else to go. When Doris and Cyril boast of doing their work all day, Mrs Pearson tells them that she has also done her eight hours. She threatens to have two days off at the weekend.
8. What objection does Mrs Pearson have against George’s going to club so frequently?
Ans.: Mrs Pearson fails to understand why her husband George wants to spend so much time at the club where people are always laughing at him behind his back and calling him names. He leaves his wife alone every night. She wouldn’t make him look a fool if he went out with her.
9. How does the Pearson family spend the evening finally?
Ans.: The evening was spent the way Mrs. Pearson wanted. It was her children who prepared the dinner. She simply relaxed and was busy playing a game of rummy. She was also busy chit-chatting with her husband.
C. Long Answer Type Question
1. What is message of the play?
Ans.: This humorous play portrays the status of a mother in the family. The author brings out the plight of the mother very realistically in the play. Mrs Annie Pearson, the mother, is not treated well by her husband and children. With the help of her neighbour Mrs. Fitzgerald and a magic spell which temporarily allows them to interchange their roles, she stands up for her rights. Mrs Annie Pearson’s family is shocked at the change, but they learn to behave properly with her so that she gets the respect that she deserved.
The play conveys the message that the woman in the house needs to be appreciated for all her efforts in keeping the house and the family in order. Our mothers and wives work hard daily, turning our houses into homes. They receive no wages, have no weekends off and work round the clock. Little do we realise the hard work they put in to make it all perfect. We take them for granted and never appreciate them or stop by to drop a word of 'thanks'. The story very clearly states that our mothers and wives have equal right to relax, to enjoy their lives and that they deserve acknowledgement and appreciation.
2. Compare and contrast Mrs. Pearson and Mrs. Fitgerald.
The two ladies are sharply contrasted. Mrs. Pearson is pleasant but worried looking woman in her forties. She is timid and confused who speaks in a light and nervous tone. Mrs. Fitzgerald is older, heavier and has a strong and sinister personality. She smokes. She has a deep voice with Irish accent.
Mrs Pearson is the main character in the play ‘Mother’s Day’. She loves her husband and children very much and runs after them all the time. Her excessive love and care has spoilt them and they have become thoughtless and selfish. She feels neglected and lonely but lacks courage to discuss things with them. Perhaps she hates any unpleasantness as well. She is not willing to act as a tough mom as she is nervous and fluttering by nature. She is so tender-hearted that she is shocked to see the rough treatment meted out to her children. She decides to change back to her original personality to deal with her family herself. She is indeed a loving and affectionate mother and a devoted wife.
On the other hand, Mrs. Fitzgerald is a strong, dominating, confident and courageous woman. She is well-acquainted with her rights. She demands respect and help from others. She speaks her mind and asserts herself. It is she who analyses the situation and suggests the exchange of personalities. She is a friend in need who does not only advise but act herself put things right for Mrs. Pearson. She confronts her family members and teaches them lessons of politeness, love and care. She makes them realize the importance of a woman in the family. She is a mouthpiece of the dramatist who establishes the identity of woman as an important person.
I like that part of this play when Mrs. Pearson said to Mr. Pearson,"I will slap on your tummy."
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