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

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English

Snapshot

Chapter 3 – Mother’s Day (J. B. Priestley)

Long Question Answers

Question 1:

If you were to address these issues today, what are some of the incidents, examples, and problems that you would consider relevant?

Answer:

Various responses are possible, and one such response is provided below:

Relevant issues today could include instances of gender inequality and mistreatment in various settings such as households, workplaces, public transport, and beyond. Examples highlighting the exploitation of female workers through unequal wages, harassment by superiors, indecent remarks, eve-teasing, and molestation could shed light on the pervasive social inequalities women still face despite discussions about women empowerment in the twenty-first century. The struggles faced by housewives, enduring physical torment and mental anguish from domineering husbands, can also be depicted. Instances of rape and sexual harassment, frequently reported in daily newspapers, may be included to underscore the ongoing challenges of women's security in modern society.

 

Question 2:

Is drama a suitable medium for conveying a social message? Discuss.

Answer:

Yes, drama is indeed a powerful medium for conveying a social message. Direct moralizing is often met with resistance and tends to be disregarded. Drama, on the other hand, presents a slice of life through characters placed in diverse situations. The audience becomes fully engaged with the protagonists, and the unfolding of the theme naturally imparts a message, sometimes explicit but often indirect and implicit. Social messages in plays often emerge from the interactions and character traits of the individuals involved. The victory of evil over good is typically portrayed indirectly. In contemporary times, numerous plays focus on themes aimed at creating social awareness, such as the perils of drinking and smoking, the hazards of pollution, child labor, the declining female ratio, and the necessity of empowering women.

 

Question 3:

What impression do you form of Mrs. Annie Pearson?

Answer:

Mrs. Pearson, the main character in the play 'Mother's Day,' is a pleasant but anxious woman in her forties. Speaking in a light, flurried suburban cockney tone, she deeply loves her husband and children. Her excessive love and care, however, have resulted in her family taking her for granted, becoming thoughtless and selfish. Despite feeling neglected and lonely, Mrs. Pearson lacks the courage to discuss her concerns with her family. She avoids unpleasantness and is hesitant to act as a tough mother due to her nervous and fluttering nature. Mrs. Pearson is tender-hearted, shocked by the mistreatment of her children, and ultimately resolves to change back to her original personality to deal with her family herself. She emerges as a loving, affectionate mother, and a devoted wife.

 

Question 4:

“The shock treatment makes the thoughtless and selfish persons realize the real position of the lady of the house.” How far do you agree with the statement? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer:

I fully agree with the statement. Drastic situations often require drastic remedies. The thoughtless, selfish, and spoiled members of the Pearson family fail to comprehend expressions of love and affection. Mrs. Pearson, adopting Mrs. Fitzgerald's bold and dominating personality, employs shock treatment to make them realize their own behavior. The change in Mrs. Pearson's demeanor shocks her children and husband, prompting them to reassess their treatment of her. Doris learns a lesson in civility, Cyril is urged to help himself, and Mrs. Pearson's declaration to work fewer hours and take weekends off acts as a significant shock treatment. The revelation to Mr. George Pearson about how he is ridiculed at the club bursts his ego balloon, and all three family members eventually show willingness to obey the mother's commands.

 

Question 5:

Write a note on the role of Mrs. Fitzgerald in the play.

Answer:

Mrs. Fitzgerald plays a crucial role in the play. Introduced as a fortune teller and the Pearsons' next-door neighbor, she becomes the voice of the playwright. Through her conversations with Mrs. Pearson, the audience learns about the challenges Mrs. Pearson faces. Objectively analyzing the situation, Mrs. Fitzgerald suggests a unique approach—exchange of personalities—to address the problem. By assuming Mrs. Pearson's role, Mrs. Fitzgerald initiates a plan of reformation. Her shocking behavior, smoking, drinking, and playing cards, contrasts sharply with the family's expectations. Mrs. Fitzgerald's bluntness and toughness make the family realize their responsibilities towards the mother. She is instrumental in initiating the action, reaching the climax, and ultimately concluding the denouement.

 

Question 6:

The play ‘Mother’s Day’ is a humorous and satirical depiction of the status of the woman in a family. Bring out briefly the elements of humor and satire.

Answer:

The play 'Mother's Day' addresses a serious theme with a light-hearted touch, incorporating elements of humor and satire. Humor arises from the unusual situation where the personalities of two ladies switch bodies, leading to contrasting behaviors. The characters' ignorance about the personality they are facing also contributes to the humor. Additionally, suggestive dialogues and witty exchanges provide moments of amusement. The play satirizes societal norms, including the eight-hour work culture and threats of going on strike, as even the housewife adopts these strategies. The satire extends to family dynamics, illustrating how a housewife, initially treated as a subordinate, later becomes the mistress of the house, signaling a shift in power dynamics.

 

Question 7:

Comment on the ending of the play ‘Mother’s Day.’

Answer:

The play concludes with a happy ending, featuring a complete reversal of the initial situation. Mrs. Pearson, now cheerful, surprises her family, who anxiously observe her. As she smiles, the family members feel relieved and reciprocate with smiles of their own. Unlike before, none of them is going out. Mrs. Pearson, displaying a newfound assertiveness, directs the family confidently, asking if they have any objections. George is the first to yield, and the family agrees to play a nice game of rummy, with the children preparing supper. Mrs. Pearson bids farewell to Mrs. Fitzgerald, inviting her to come again soon. The ending is natural and conveys a message about the importance of mothers asserting themselves.

 

Question 8:

Write a note on the title of the play ‘Mother’s Day.’

Answer:

The title of the play, 'Mother's Day,' is apt and encapsulates the central theme of the narrative. It suggests that the play revolves around a mother and her role within the family. From the outset, the audience is confronted with the challenges faced by the mother, Mrs. Pearson, in dealing with her grown-up children and husband. The unique technique of addressing the spoiled children and the grown man in an amusing and thought-provoking way is implied in the title. The play explores the bold and dominating mother's efforts to make her family realize the importance of proper attention and respect towards her. The resolution of the family staying home, preparing supper, and engaging in a family game of rummy on this significant day serves as a fitting gift to the mother.