Mother's Day - Z

MOTHER’S DAY
By JB Priestly
About the Author

J. B. Priestley, (born Sept. 13, 1894, Bradford, Yorkshire, Eng.—died Aug. 14, 1984, Alveston,
near Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire), British novelist, playwright, and essayist, noted for
his varied output and his ability for shrewd characterization.
Theme
Mother’s Day is a play by J. B. Priestley. It is a satirical and humorous depiction of the status of
the women, in particular, a housewife in a family. Moreover, a housewife dedicates all her time
to the service of the family, but the whole family takes her service for granted and never takes
notice of her needs. The family never acknowledge her services or thank her for all that she does
for them. Everyone neglects her, and this issue is prominent and relevant even today.
Character Sketches
Mrs Annie Pearson
Mrs. Pearson is the main character in the drama "Mother's Day." She was a lovely woman in her
forties, yet her expression is worried. Her tone has a little anxious suburban quality to it. Her
commitment to her husband and children is unwavering. She loves her children so much that she
neglects to take care of herself. However, excessive love and care have damaged the other
members of the family, and they've become spoiled brats. She can't practise tough love because
her heart is too tender. Therefore, when she observes Mrs. Fitzgerald acting inappropriately
towards her children, she urges her to get back to their previous roles.
Mrs Fitzgerald
Mrs Fitzgerald was an older, heavier and strong woman with a sinister personality. She was headstrong
and firm about her behaviour and decisions. She believed that Mrs Annie had spoilt her family too much
by being too soft with them. Being a generous friend, she decided to help her friend by exchanging souls
with her. After changing the souls, she tackled all the rude members of Annie’s family one by one by
showing them their reality and setting them right. She was a smart and bold woman who refused to be
treated poorly by anyone.
Doris Pearson
She was the daughter of Mrs. Pearson who was in her early twenties. She was pretty but lacked
the mannerism to treat her mother in an appropriate manner. She was a rude, arrogant and
spoilt girl who was dependent on her mother for the most basic things such as ironing her
clothes.
Cyril Pearson
Cyril was the female counterpart of Dorris Pearson. He spent his time and money on useless
things like greyhound races and dirt tracks. He had an arrogant attitude an expected to be
treated like a prince. He was so used to being taken care of by his mother that fetching
something to eat for himself was a big deal for him.
George Pearson
George was Annie Pearson’s husband. He was an insensitive man who wento out day after day
to entertain himself with a game of snooker, never once asking his wife to accompany him. He
was shallow and pompous. Everyone at the bar too made fun of him by calling him ‘Pompy-
Ompy Pearson’. He wasn’t fond of surprises and preferred to live a steady life without much
change in it. He expected to be taken care of by his wife for all his needs while at the same time,
not being concerned about her emotions at all.
1. Mrs. Annie Pearson and Mrs. Fitzgerald are totally opposite to each other in their attitudes.
Show the difference between their personalities.
The play ‘Mother’s Day’ by J.B Priestley brings out a sharp contrast in the characters of the two
main protagonists, Mrs. Pearson and Mrs. Fitzgerald. Mrs. Pearson is shown as a quiet,
submissive woman who thinks it to be her prime duty to serve her family. On the other hand,
her family consists of rude, arrogant and dominating members each of whom treats her like a
servant, ordering her about for various things. Mrs. Pearson suffers quietly, never speaks her
mind, and never retaliates because she wants to avoid any kind of unpleasantness.
Mrs. Fitzgerald, on the other hand, is strong, domineering, and outspoken. She demands respect
and takes pride in the fact that no one can take her for a ride. She has an identity of her own,
speaks her mind and asserts herself. She is instrumental in bringing about a transformation in
the family members of the Pearson family. She exchanges her personality with Mrs Pearson with
the help of magic and then tackles her family members one by one. She openly insults,
humiliates and offends them. She refuses to do any work. She rebels by smoking and drinking.
All this was done to make them realize their mistakes and make them love and respect their
mother. She succeeds in the end.
2. Bring out the humour of the play ‘The Mother’s Day’.

The dramatist has combined a serious theme with some comical concept of the magic trick
which ensures that the theme of the play is effective in a very humorous manner. Despite being
a sinister and aggressive character, Mrs. Fitzgerald is the one who evokes maximum laughter. The
way in which she scolds, rebukes and mocks at each family member is an effective source of
laughter. When she assumes Mrs. Pearson’s form and challenges the children with sarcasm and
bitter jest, the two rude and demanding children are forced to mend their ways. Her clever
remarks and indignant out bursts provide an element of humour throughout the play.
During her conversation with George Pearson, she is harsh and offensive towards him. It is
amusing in the way she reprimands a grown man. It is even more amusing as she points out
flaws in each of the family members. All in all, the deeper meaning of the play has been
displayed through humour making it not only moralistic but entertaining as well.
3. The chapter deals with a very serious issue in a humorous way. Do you think humour and
satire can be used as a tool for social reformation? Give reasons for your answer keeping in
mind the chapter ‘Mother’s Day.’
The chapter presents a humorous and satirical depiction of the status of women, in particular, a
housewife, in a household. Mrs. Pearson devotes all her time and energies to fulfilling all the
needs of her family yet is treated like a doormat by her children and husband. Her services are
taken for granted and she rarely receives any gratitude and care in return. Her caring nature only
accelerates the expectations of her family from her. Through the interchange of bodies, Mrs.
Pearson is empowered and starts asserting herself boldly making her family realize her
importance. Her situation is the lot of most of the housewives who are neglected and who suffer
in silence. The chapter raises important issues about female empowerment and the need for
love and respect towards family members through the medium of satire and humour.
Yes, satire is an excellent way to give a message to society as it accompanies dark reality with
elements of humour which makes it less depressing to read or watch.

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MOTHER’S DAY

About the Author

2. Bring out the humour of the play ‘The Mother’s Day’.

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