Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 3 – Mother’s Day (J. B. Priestley) Summary

 

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.