Mother’s Day

J.B. Priestly

J.B. Priestly was an English playwright, novelist, and social commentator, known for his sharp wit, social critique, and exploration of human behaviour. “Mother’s Day” is a humorous one-act play by him that highlights the dynamics of family relationships and the often underappreciated role of a mother in the household. The story revolves around a typical family where the mother, Mrs Pearson, is taken for granted until she receives help to reverse the situation and gain the respect she deserves. The play underscores the themes of respect, family roles, and the value of equality within a home.

 

Q: This play, written in the 1950s, is a humorous and satirical depiction of the status of the mother in the family.

1. What are the issues it raises?

 

Ans. This raises several important issues regarding the treatment of mothers within a family, particularly in the context of traditional gender roles. The primary issues include:

Lack of Appreciation: The mother, Mrs. Pearson, is taken for granted by her family members. They expect her to serve them without any recognition or appreciation for her efforts.

Gender Inequality: The play highlights the traditional gender roles where the mother is expected to manage the household and cater to everyone’s needs, while her own needs and desires are ignored.

Loss of Identity: Mrs Pearson’s identity is reduced to that of a caretaker, with little regard for her as an individual with her own opinions, interests, and aspirations.

Q: Do you think it caricatures these issues or do you think that the problems it raises are genuine? How does the play resolve the issues? Do you agree with the resolution?

 

Ans. The play presents these issues in a way that is both humorous and exaggerated, making them appear as a caricature. However, beneath the humour, the issues it raises are very genuine. The dynamics within Mrs Pearson’s family reflect real societal attitudes towards women, particularly mothers, during the 1950s and even today in some families.

The resolves the issues through a role reversal, where Mrs Pearson, with the help of her neighbour Mrs Fitzgerald, asserts herself and demands respect from her family. The resolution involves the family members realizing their mistakes and vowing to treat Mrs. Pearson better in future.

While the resolution is somewhat simplistic, it does convey the message that change is possible when individuals stand up for themselves. However, whether this resolution is entirely realistic is debatable. Genuine change often requires more than just a single confrontation; it involves a deeper understanding and transformation of attitudes over time.

 

Q: If you were to write about these issues today what are some of the incidents, examples and problems you would think of as relevant?

 

Ans. If I were to write about these issues today, I would consider the following incidents and problems as relevant:

• Work-life Balance: Many mothers today struggle to balance their careers and household responsibilities, often facing pressure to excel in both areas without adequate support.
• Mental Health: The mental health challenges faced by mothers, including stress, anxiety, and depression, due to the overwhelming expectations placed on them.
• Societal Expectations: The societal pressure on mothers to “perfect” in every aspect, from parenting to maintaining a household, and the judgement they face if they fall short.
• Equal Parenting: The ongoing debate about the need for fathers to take on a more active role in parenting and household chores, challenging the traditional gender roles.

 

Q: Is Drama a good medium for conveying a social message? Discuss.

 

Ans. Drama is indeed a powerful medium for conveying a social message. It allows the audience to engage with complex issues in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Through characters and plot, Drama can highlight societal problems, evoke empathy, and inspire change. The emotional impact of a well-crafted play can leave a lasting impression, making the audience more likely to reflect on the issues presented and consider their own views and behaviours.

Additionally, the use of humour, satire, and exaggeration in Drama can make serious issues more accessible, allowing the audience to confront uncomfortable truths in a less confrontational way.

 

Q: Discuss in groups plays or films with a strong message of social reform that you have watched.

 

Ans. Some plays and films with a strong message of social reform include:

 

• “A Doll’s House” by Henrik Ibsen: This play addresses the issues of gender inequality and the oppressive roles forced upon women in patriarchal society.
• “To Kill a Mockingbird” (Film based on the novel by Harper Lee): This film deals with racism and the importance of moral integrity in the face of social injustice.
• “The Great Dictator” by Charlie Chaplin: A satirical film that critiques authoritarianism and the rise of fascism, promoting the values of democracy and freedom.
• “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller: This play critiques the American dream and the pressure of capitalist society, highlighting the destructive impact on individual identity and family relationships.

These works have all had a significant impact on the audience, promoting discussions and reflections on important social issues.