Mother's Day (CBL)

by J.B. Priestley

Adjectives to describe each main character of the play:

Character	Adjectives
Mrs. Pearson	Submissive, Self-sacrificing, Kind, Passive, Transformative
Mrs. Fitzgerald	Strong-willed, Assertive, Persuasive, Independent, Bold
George Pearson	Dominant, Indifferent, Traditional, Dismissive, Authoritative
Doris Pearson	Spoiled, Self-centered, Dependent, Superficial
Cyril Pearson	Careless, Selfish, Lazy, Unappreciative, Irresponsible

 

Analysis of Dialogues

Character	Dialogue	Tone	Character Trait	Intention
Mrs. Pearson	"I’ll put the kettle on myself. Don’t bother."	Resigned	Submissive, Dutiful	To avoid confrontation and continue her usual role.
Mrs. Fitzgerald	"You ought to let them wait on you for a change."	Assertive	Confident, Independent	To encourage Mrs. Pearson to stand up for herself.
George Pearson	"What’s the matter with you? Have you gone mad?"	Shocked	Authoritative, Controlling	To express disbelief and reassert his authority.
Doris Pearson	"Mother, what’s the matter with you?"	Confused	Dependent, Self-centered	To understand the sudden change in her mother’s behavior.
Cyril Pearson	"It’s not fair. I always do my share of the work."	Defensive	Irresponsible, Justifying	To defend his lack of effort and avoid responsibility.

 

Short Answer Type Questions

1.     What is the central conflict in the play "Mother's Day" by J.B. Priestley?

Answer: The central conflict in "Mother's Day" revolves around Mrs. Pearson, a mother who is taken for granted by her family, and how she, with the help of Mrs. Fitzgerald, asserts her importance in the family, leading to a reversal of roles and attitudes within the household.

2.     What lesson does "Mother’s Day" teach about family relationships?

Answer: "Mother’s Day" teaches that mutual respect, appreciation, and open communication are essential for healthy family relationships. It shows that taking any family member, especially mothers, for granted can lead to dissatisfaction and resentment, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing each other's contributions.

3.     How does the transformation of Mrs. Pearson influence the behavior of her family members?

Answer: Mrs. Pearson's transformation, with the help of Mrs. Fitzgerald, forces her family to recognize their disrespectful and dismissive behavior. The sudden change in her demeanor and assertiveness shocks them, leading to a change in their attitudes as they begin to appreciate and respect her more.

4.    Analyze the role of Mrs. Fitzgerald in the play. How does she contribute to the resolution of the conflict?

Answer: Mrs. Fitzgerald plays a crucial role as the catalyst for change in the play. Her bold personality and the exchange of identities with Mrs. Pearson bring about the necessary confrontation that forces the family to realize their shortcomings, leading to the resolution of the conflict.

5.   How does Doris’s reaction to Mrs. Pearson’s newfound assertiveness reveal her character’s dependency on her mother?

Answer: Doris's shock and dismay at Mrs. Pearson's assertiveness reveal her deep-seated dependency on her mother. Her reliance on Mrs. Pearson for comfort and care becomes evident when her mother’s sudden change disrupts the family’s routine, highlighting the extent to which she takes her mother for granted.

6.     How does the final scene of the play bring closure to the family’s conflicts?

Answer: The final scene of the play brings closure to the family’s conflicts by showing the family’s acceptance of Mrs. Pearson’s assertiveness. The family members’ willingness to listen and make amends reflects their recognition of her value, restoring balance and harmony within the household.

7.   Discuss the transformation of George Pearson’s character throughout the play. How does his attitude change by the end?

Answer: George Pearson’s character transforms from being domineering and dismissive to being more understanding and respectful of his wife. Initially indifferent to her needs, George's attitude changes as he realizes the importance of valuing Mrs. Pearson’s contributions, leading to a more considerate relationship.

8.    Imagine you are a member of Mrs. Pearson’s family. Write a short note apologizing to her and promising to change your behavior.

Answer:

Dear Mum,

I realize now how much you do for us and how little we have shown our appreciation. I am truly sorry for taking you for granted. From now on, I promise to help more around the house and treat you with the respect and love you deserve.

Yours lovingly,

Doris

Long Answer Type Questions

1.     How can the message of the play "Mother's Day" by J.B. Priestley be applied to modern-day family dynamics? Discuss how the play’s exploration of respect and appreciation within the family can be related to your own experiences or observed changes in society.

Answer: The play "Mother’s Day" emphasizes the significance of respect and appreciation within the family, particularly towards mothers who often handle most household responsibilities. In modern-day family dynamics, where roles are increasingly shared between parents, the need for mutual respect is paramount. This play’s message is a reminder that every family member's efforts should be recognized to maintain harmony.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I have observed that families that openly communicate and share responsibilities tend to have stronger bonds. The shift from traditional to more flexible gender roles has led to healthier relationships. The play resonates with these changes, urging us to ensure that no one is taken for granted. Regular expressions of gratitude and acknowledgment can prevent misunderstandings and build a more supportive family environment, aligning with contemporary values of equality and respect.

2.  Analyze the character of Mrs. Pearson in "Mother's Day." How does her transformation challenge traditional gender roles, and what message does this send to contemporary audiences about family dynamics and gender equality?

Answer: Mrs. Pearson’s character in "Mother’s Day" undergoes a significant transformation that challenges traditional gender roles. Initially portrayed as a submissive and self-sacrificing mother, Mrs. Pearson is the embodiment of the stereotypical homemaker, expected to cater to her family’s needs without question. This traditional role confines her to a position of unrecognized labor and emotional support.

However, with Mrs. Fitzgerald’s intervention, Mrs. Pearson transforms into a confident and assertive individual who demands respect and recognition. This change not only disrupts the family’s established dynamics but also challenges the notion that a mother’s primary role is to serve. By asserting her worth, Mrs. Pearson redefines her role within the family, advocating for gender equality and mutual respect.

For contemporary audiences, this transformation sends a powerful message about the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of all family members, regardless of gender. It encourages a more balanced approach to family dynamics, where traditional roles are questioned, and equality is embraced.