by J.B. Priestley
|
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.
