Introduction

In this project, we'll be talking about J.B. Priestley's

interesting play, "Mothers day" It's a story about a
family called the Pearsons and their everyday life.
We'll look at what kind of story it is, what it's about,
and who the main characters are, what kinds of
relationship they have etc,.

One of the important lessons this play teaches us is

about our relationship with our mother or family as
a whole. It shows that being too passive and people
pleasing can make your life miserable nor does it do
any good to the other where they exploit one and do
no work, therefore loving someone doesn’t mean
doing things that the other person prefers rather it is
about doing the right thing for them
What is the genre of the piece
The story “mothers day” falls into the genre of
domestic or family drama. It primarily revolves
around the interactions and conflicts within the
Pearson family. The scenes unfold in a home setting,
focusing primarily on the relationships and
dynamics among family members. The narrative
style and content emphasize the domestic sphere,
making it a representative piece of family drama
About the author
J.B. Priestley (1894–1984) was a English novelist,
playwright, and essayist. He was born in Bradford,
England. Priestley gained recognition for his diverse
literary works of various genres. He is best known for his
play "An Inspector Calls," a classic of 20th-century drama
that explores social responsibility and moral
consequences. Priestley was a versatile writer and his
writing often carried social and political undertones,
reflecting his concerns about societal issues. Priestley was
actively involved in political and social commentary
throughout his life and served in the British Army during
World War I. His literary contributions left a lasting impact
on English literature and theater.
Theme of the story
The theme of the story is about family problems,
communication breakdown, and the impact of societal
expectations on individual lives. The narration delves into
the Pearsons' domestic life, revealing the strained
relationships, misunderstandings, and personal conflicts
that arise within the family. The theme emphasizes the
challenges of maintaining a harmonious family life despite
the external pressures and societal judgments.
Additionally, the story explores the consequences of not
addressing these issues promptly, leading to a breakdown
in communication and understanding among family
members

Characters in the story

Mrs. Annie Pearson
Mr. George Pearson
Doris Pearson
Cyril Pearson
Mrs. Fitzgerald
Character sketch of Mrs. Pearson
Mrs. Pearson is a loving mother and a gentle wife.
She is in her forties. She works hard to keep her
husband and children happy. Mrs. Pearson is
neglected by her family and treated as a slave. In
spite of their ill-treatment, neglect and exploitation,
she loves them all. She has forgotten her
individuality and the respect that she deserves in her
family. She lives for her family and has forgotten that
she has a life of her own
Moral issue of the story
The story brings up a moral issue about family
relationships and how they can be affected by
neglect. It shows how not paying attention to your
family can lead to emotional stress for everyone
involved. The characters, especially George Pearson,
deal with the consequences of their actions and how
it strains their family bonds. The main moral lesson
here is the importance of good communication,
understanding, and respect within a family. The
story makes us reflect on the broader societal
importance of family connections and the
responsibilities that come with them.
Pictorial representation of the play
Summary of the story

The story begins with a conversation between Mrs.

Pearson and her neighbour Mrs. Fitzgerald, a fortune
teller Mrs. Pearson talks about how her family
members do not value her and don’t appreciate
whatever she does for them. Mrs. Fitzgerald advises
her to stand up for herself and don’t be a slave that
works for them day and night, but Mrs. Pearson
being the gentle lady she is didn’t want to bring any
discomfort or conflict in the family. Fitzgerald knew
that she is not going to take any proper measures to
discipline her family so she proposed an idea of
switching bodies to which Mrs. Pearson was hesitant
at first but was convinced by Mrs. Fitzgerald. Mrs.
Fitzgerald in Pearsons body tells Mrs. Pearson to go
stay at her house for the time being.

Her daughter Doris Pearson enters and asks for tea

and orders her to iron her yellow silk, she gets
shocked at the sight of her mother smoking and from
there the argument begins where she insults Charlie
Spence, the guy Doris plans to go out with then her
brother, Cyril enters asking for tea and something to
eat. Upon asking if anything is wrong, Mrs. Pearson
tells him that she had never felt better. Cyril gets
annoyed and Doris joins him where they were told
she might even take the weekend off. Next George
Pearson enters, shocked to see his wife day-drinking.
On being told there is no tea, he gets annoyed again.
Mrs. Pearson mocks him for getting annoyed at not
getting something he didn’t actually need. She tells
him about the names they call him at club. Mrs.
Fitzgerald(Pearson) enters and upon seeing all the
things Mrs. Pearson (Fitzgerald) has been doing to
her family she loses her cool and asks Mrs. Pearson
(Fitzgerald) to undo the swapping, before doing so
Mrs. Fitzgerald warns Pearson to be more
dominating and all will be in vain if she starts being
passive and innocent again, Mrs. Pearson as she is
after undoing the swapping enters and suggested
they play rummy and the kids make supper.
Everyone instantly agrees, Mrs. Fitzgerald exits and
the play ends
“Mother is just like the air we breathe in”.
Explain with reference to the lesson

"Mother is like the air

we breathe in" signifies
the indispensable role
of a mother in our lives,
just like we need air to
survive. In the story,
Mrs. Annie Pearson, the
mother, is the driving
force behind the family
dynamics. Her actions
and decisions have a
profound impact on the
family members. This
phrase emphasizes the
idea that a mother's presence, care, and influence are vital
elements that sustain and nurture a family. It's a reminder
of the nurturing and essential role that mothers play in the
well-being and harmony of a family
Script for a scene
LIVING ROOM - EVENING
[Mrs. Pearson is sitting on the settee, enjoying a
stout. George enters, bewildered by her choice of
drink.]
GEORGE: Stout?
MRS PEARSON: Yes.
GEORGE: [amazed] What are you drinking stout for?
MRS PEARSON: Because I fancied some.
GEORGE: At this time of day?
MRS PEARSON: Yes, what’s wrong with it at this time
of day?
GEORGE: [bewildered] Nothing, I suppose, Annie —
but I’ve never seen you do it before...
MRS PEARSON: Well, you’re seeing me now.
Output
The story unfolds through key scenes, emphasizing
the importance of understanding in familial
relationships. Characters like the stern George,
determined Annie, and their children, Cyril and
Doris, come to life in a plot rich with domestic
tensions. Overall, the play explores the complexities
of family life and the impact of communication on
fostering a harmonious home environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion this project, we delve into the
transformative journey of the Pearson family. This
exploration offers valuable insights into the
challenges faced by George, Annie, Cyril, and Doris.
Through the intervention of Mrs. Fitzgerald, the
family undergoes a positive metamorphosis, and the
story underscores the importance of effective
communication in shaping familial dynamics. As we
progress through the project, we witness the
evolution of characters, highlighting the profound
impact of interpersonal connections. The project
concludes on a hopeful note, emphasizing the
newfound understanding and resilience within the
Pearson family. This insightful examination of family
life serves as a reminder of the significance of open
communication and mutual support.
Bibliography

wikipedia.com
byjus.com
toppr.com
successcds.net
studycbsenotes.com