“Mother’s Day” Class 11 NCERT English by J.B. Priestley- Questions Answers:
Understanding the Text
- What are the characters of the play ‘Mother’s Day’?
– The main characters are Mrs. Annie Pearson, George Pearson (her husband), Doris Pearson (her daughter), Cyril Pearson (her son), and Mrs. Fitzgerald (her neighbor).
- What is the relationship between Mrs. Pearson and Mrs. Fitzgerald?
– Mrs. Pearson and Mrs. Fitzgerald are neighbors and friends. Mrs. Fitzgerald has a strong personality and knows magic, while Mrs. Pearson is submissive and often taken for granted by her family.
- What is the reason for Mrs. Fitzgerald’s strong influence on Mrs. Pearson?
– Mrs. Fitzgerald has a strong, confident personality and practices magic. She influences Mrs. Pearson by swapping their personalities to teach her family a lesson about respect.
- What transformation is seen in Mrs. Pearson’s character in the play?
– Mrs. Pearson transforms from a submissive, taken-for-granted housewife into a confident woman who demands respect and teaches her family to value her.
- What message does the play ‘Mother’s Day’ convey?
– The play conveys the message that every family member should respect and appreciate the homemaker, acknowledging her contributions and giving her the respect she deserves.
Talking About the Text
- Do you agree with the way Mrs. Pearson handles her family members? Why/Why not?
– Answer: This question is subjective. A balanced answer would be: Yes, Mrs. Pearson’s new assertiveness is necessary to gain respect from her family, who had been taking her for granted. However, a more balanced approach might be more sustainable in the long run.
- How important is it to recognize and appreciate the work done by homemakers?
– Answer: It is extremely important to recognize and appreciate the work done by homemakers. They play a crucial role in maintaining the household and their efforts contribute significantly to the family’s well-being. Lack of appreciation can lead to feelings of worthlessness and resentment.
- Do you think it was right for Mrs. Fitzgerald to use magic to help Mrs. Pearson? Why/Why not?
– Answer: This question can also have a subjective answer. One might say: Yes, because it provided an immediate and impactful solution to a long-standing problem. On the other hand, one might argue that using magic could be seen as unethical and a more straightforward approach might have been better.
Appreciation
- Discuss the humor in the play. How does it contribute to the overall impact?
– The humor in the play arises from the unexpected behavior of Mrs. Pearson when she adopts Mrs. Fitzgerald’s assertive personality. Her candid remarks and bold actions catch her family off guard, leading to amusing situations. This humor helps in delivering the serious message of the play in a light-hearted manner.
- How does the setting of the play contribute to its theme?
– The setting of the play, which is the Pearson family’s living room, represents the domestic sphere where the homemaker’s efforts are often taken for granted. This familiar setting helps the audience relate to the theme of respecting and valuing homemakers.
Writing
- Write an article on the role of women in the household and the importance of sharing domestic responsibilities.
– Answer: Women have traditionally been the primary caregivers and homemakers, managing a plethora of tasks from cooking and cleaning to taking care of children and elderly family members. Their role, often undervalued, is crucial for the smooth functioning of the household. However, the modern era demands a shift in this dynamic. Sharing domestic responsibilities is not only fair but also essential for fostering equality and respect within the family. It ensures that no one feels overburdened or unappreciated and allows for a more balanced and harmonious household environment.
- Imagine you are Mrs. Pearson. Write a diary entry expressing your thoughts and feelings after the day’s events.
– Answer:
Dear Diary,
What a day it has been! For the first time, I felt truly respected and seen by my own family. Thanks to Mrs. Fitzgerald, I finally mustered the courage to stand up for myself. It was startling to see the shock on George, Doris, and Cyril’s faces when I spoke my mind. It felt liberating to not be the doormat anymore. I hope this change lasts and they continue to treat me with the respect I deserve. I’ve realized that sometimes, a little assertiveness is necessary to make people value you.
With hope,
Annie
Feel free to modify these answers as per your understanding and perspectives.