NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English
Snapshot
Chapter 3 – Mother’s
Day (J. B. Priestley)
Summary
The play commences with two friends
engaged in a candid conversation at Mrs. Pearson's residence. Mrs. Fitzgerald,
while telling Mrs. Pearson's fortune, offers advice on how to handle her
situation. Mrs. Pearson expresses her frustration with her family, highlighting
how they fail to value or appreciate her constant efforts for them. Despite
being available around the clock, her family members issue orders without
expressing gratitude. Mrs. Fitzgerald encourages her to assert herself as the
woman of the house, but Mrs. Pearson, maintaining her sweet and innocent
demeanor, hesitates to bring discomfort to her family. She continues to
tolerate their behavior, unsure of where to begin disciplining them.
Mrs. Fitzgerald proposes a plan to
switch their bodies secretly, allowing Mrs. Fitzgerald to assume Mrs. Pearson's
role without the family's knowledge. Initially hesitant, Mrs. Pearson
eventually agrees after Mrs. Fitzgerald convinces her. Utilizing magical skills
learned from the East, Mrs. Fitzgerald performs the switch, exchanging their
personalities. With Mrs. Fitzgerald now in Mrs. Pearson's body and vice versa,
the new Mrs. Pearson instructs Mrs. Fitzgerald to temporarily reside in her own
house.
In the ensuing scenes, Doris
Pearson, Mrs. Pearson's daughter, enters, demanding tea and instructing Mrs.
Pearson to iron her yellow silk. Shocked to find her mother smoking, an
argument ensues where Mrs. Pearson insults Charlie Spence, Doris's prospective
date. Doris leaves in tears, and Cyril, Mrs. Pearson's son, enters, also
requesting tea and food. He expresses amazement at finding nothing to eat or
drink, and upon inquiring, Mrs. Pearson claims to have never felt better.
Annoyed, Cyril and Doris learn that Mrs. Pearson might take the weekend off.
George Pearson, Mrs. Pearson's
husband, enters, surprised to find his wife day-drinking. He announces a
special match at the club, stating he won't need tea that afternoon. Annoyed by
the absence of tea, Mrs. Pearson mocks George, revealing the names he's called
at the club. She taunts him about the situation, implying it wouldn't have
occurred had he stayed home more often. Mrs. Fitzgerald then enters, meddling
in family matters. George is irritated when Mrs. Fitzgerald addresses him by
his name, and Mrs. Pearson intervenes to bring him back on track. Doris, too,
is unpleasant towards Mrs. Fitzgerald, but Mrs. Pearson manages to restore
order.
In a critical moment, Mrs.
Fitzgerald (in Mrs. Pearson's body) loses her composure and asks the family
members to excuse the two friends briefly. She assures them that she knows how
to improve the situation. Mrs. Fitzgerald proposes switching their bodies
again, and though Mrs. Pearson resists initially, she eventually agrees. They
repeat the process, and the real Mrs. Fitzgerald explains to Mrs. Pearson the
importance of asserting herself occasionally to establish control and respect.
The family reenters, and Mrs.
Pearson suggests playing rummy while the kids prepare supper. The family
readily agrees, feeling a sense of relief. Mrs. Fitzgerald exits, bringing the
play to a conclusion.
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