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.

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

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English

Snapshot

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

Short Question Answers

Question 1:

How do Mrs Pearson and Mrs Fitzgerald differ from each other?

Answer:

The two ladies present a stark contrast. Mrs Pearson, a woman in her forties, appears pleasant but anxious, speaking in a light, flurried tone with a touch of suburban cockney. In contrast, Mrs Fitzgerald is older, heavier, and possesses a strong and sinister personality. Mrs Fitzgerald smokes, has a deep voice, and a rather Irish tone.

 

Question 2:

“I’m much obliged,” says Mrs. J Pearson. What is she grateful for, and to whom?

Answer:

Mrs. Pearson expresses gratitude to Mrs. Fitzgerald for predicting her fortune. She finds it fascinating to have a real fortune teller living next door.

 

Question 3:

What fortune does Mrs Fitzgerald predict for Mrs Pearson?

Answer:

Mrs Fitzgerald's predictions for Mrs Pearson's fortune are ambiguous. She suggests it could be either good or bad, emphasizing that the outcome depends on Mrs Pearson's decisions and actions. The fortune is contingent on Mrs Pearson's firm choices.

 

Question 4:

What problem does Mrs Pearson face, and who might be responsible for her situation?

Answer:

Mrs Pearson dedicates all her time and effort to serving her husband, son, and daughter. The thoughtless and selfish behavior of her family members, who go out every night, leaving her alone at home, is the root of her problem. Mrs Pearson herself bears responsibility for the ill-treatment, neglect, and lack of consideration shown to her.

 

Question 5:

What course of action does Mrs Fitzgerald recommend to Mrs Pearson to address the situation?

Answer:

Mrs Fitzgerald advises Mrs Pearson to make firm decisions and assert her position as the true mistress of the house. She encourages Mrs Pearson to take the initiative and let her family wait or look after themselves for once.

 

Question 6:

What difficulties does Mrs Pearson encounter while dealing with various members of her family?

Answer:

Despite her deep love for her husband and children, Mrs Pearson lacks the courage to openly discuss the problem with them. She drops hints but avoids unpleasantness. Her nervous and fluttering nature makes it challenging for her to initiate discussions with other family members.

 

Question 7:

“Then let me do it,” suggests Mrs Fitzgerald. How does Mrs Pearson respond?

Answer:

When Mrs Fitzgerald offers to handle Mrs Pearson's family and teach them proper behavior, Mrs Pearson becomes flustered. She thanks Mrs Fitzgerald but expresses concern that her family might resent being ill-treated by someone else and wouldn't listen.

 

Question 8:

How does Mrs Fitzgerald plan to deal with Mrs Pearson's family?

Answer:

Mrs Fitzgerald proposes a body-switching plan. They would exchange places, with Mrs Pearson taking on Mrs Fitzgerald's appearance and vice versa. In this way, Mrs Fitzgerald intends to address the issues in Mrs Pearson's family.

 

Question 9:

Why is Doris Pearson astonished upon returning home?

Answer:

Doris is taken aback to find her mother, Mrs Pearson, smoking and playing cards upon returning home. This unexpected behavior surprises and astounds her.

 

Question 10:

What are the two reasons that upset Doris Pearson?

Answer:

Doris is irritated because her mother hasn't ironed her yellow silk dress, which she needs to wear that night. Additionally, after a long day of work, Doris is upset that her mother hasn't prepared any tea for her.

 

Question 11:

How does Mrs Pearson counter Doris’s complaint about working hard?

Answer:

Mrs Pearson responds to Doris by asserting that she understands how much work Doris puts in. Mrs Pearson claims to work twice as many hours without receiving any pay or gratitude.

 

Question 12:

How does Mrs Pearson criticize Doris's choice of going out with Charlie Spence?

Answer:

Mrs Pearson questions Doris about choosing Charlie Spence, criticizing his appearance and intelligence. She suggests that at Doris's age, she should either find someone better than Charlie Spence or cease dating boys if there is no hope of success.

 

Question 13:

Why is Cyril Pearson annoyed with his mother? Provide two reasons.

Answer:

Cyril is irritated when his mother, Mrs Pearson, informs him that there is no tea because she couldn't be bothered. Additionally, he is upset that his mother hasn't taken out his things, nor has she mended them or expressed a willingness to do so.

 

Question 14:

“That’s a nice way to talk. What would happen if we all talked like that?” says Cyril. In what context does he say this, and what response does he receive?

Answer:

Cyril objects to Mrs Pearson's statement about not liking mending. Mrs Pearson counters by stating that everyone in the family talks similarly. If there's something they don't want to do, they simply don't do it. She adds that she has joined the movement and threatens to take two days off on the weekend.

 

Question 15:

How do Doris and Cyril react to Mrs Pearson’s inquiry about stout?

Answer:

Doris and Cyril are surprised and react with disbelief when Mrs Pearson expresses her desire to drink stout. This unexpected behavior raises questions for them, and they exchange notes regarding her behavior since their return home.

 

Question 16:

What changes in Mrs Pearson's behavior startle Doris and Cyril, and what reasons do they suggest?

Answer:

Doris and Cyril are taken aback when they observe their mother, Mrs Pearson, smoking and playing cards. They find her behavior strikingly different, and Cyril suggests that she might have gone slightly mad. Doris wonders if she has suffered a concussion from hitting her head.

 

Question 17:

How does Mrs Pearson teach her children to become responsible adults?

Answer:

Mrs Pearson scolds her children for their guffawing and giggling. She criticizes their lifestyle, emphasizing that they come in, ask for something, go out again, and return because there's nowhere else to go. She highlights that, like them, she has done her eight hours of work and threatens to take two days off on the weekend.

 

Question 18:

“But any of you forty-hour-a-weekers who expect to be waited on hand and foot on Saturday and Sunday with no thanks for it are in for a nasty disappointment,” says Mrs Pearson. How has she planned to spend the weekends?

Answer:

Mrs Pearson informs her family that if they expect to be waited on hand and foot on weekends without expressing gratitude, they are in for a disappointment. She suggests that she might do some cooking or make a bed as a favor, but only if asked very nicely and thanked for it. She contemplates going off for the weekend for a change.

 

Question 19:

“I’ll hit you with something, girl, if you don’t stop asking silly questions,” says Mrs Pearson to Doris. What 'silly' questions does she object to?

Answer:

Mrs Pearson objects to Doris's questions about whether she will go off for the weekend and where she would go and with whom. Mrs Pearson considers these questions silly and asserts that it's her business.

 

Question 20:

“Well, that ought to be a nice change for you,” says Mrs Pearson. What 'change' is she referring to, and how does George react to it?

Answer:

Mrs Pearson comments on the change in her style, referring to drinking stout at an unusual time of day. George, her husband, reacts with confusion and surprise, expressing his dislike for her drinking and considering it improper.

 

Question 21:

“Annoyed because I don’t get tea for him that he doesn’t even want,” says Mrs Pearson. What prompts her to make this remark?

Answer:

George Pearson, Mrs Pearson's husband, informs her that he doesn't want any tea because there's supper at the club that night. Mrs Pearson, hurt by his response, remarks that she wouldn't have prepared tea even if he wanted it.

 

Question 22:

How do you think George Pearson is treated at the club?

Answer:

Members of the club laugh at George Pearson, considering him one of their standing jokes. They mockingly call him "Pompy-Ompy Pearson" due to their perception of him as slow and pompous. George is unaware of this nickname and the jokes made at his expense.

 

Question 23:

What objection does Mrs Pearson have against George’s frequent visits to the club?

Answer:

Mrs Pearson questions why her husband, George, spends so much time at the club where people laugh at him and call him names. She is perplexed as to why he leaves her alone every night and suggests that going out with her wouldn't make him look foolish.

 

Question 24:

“Sometimes it does people good to have their feelings hurt.” Do you agree with Mrs Pearson’s observation?

Answer:

Mrs Pearson believes that sometimes hurting people's feelings can be beneficial, as facing the truth is a necessary experience. Whether or not one agrees with this observation may depend on individual perspectives on the impact of truthfulness and confronting reality.

 

Question 25:

Why does Mrs Pearson doubt the value of Cyril’s opinion?

Answer:

Mrs Pearson expresses skepticism about Cyril's opinions, stating that he knows little about worldly affairs. She criticizes his spending too much time and money on amusement shows like greyhound races, dirt tracks, and ice shows.

 

Question 26:

Why is George Pearson incensed at Mrs Fitzgerald’s utterances?

Answer:

George Pearson is angered when Mrs Fitzgerald addresses him by his first name and makes remarks like "Oh-dear-I ought to have known." He believes that she has no business interfering in their family affairs.

 

Question 27:

“Perhaps you’ll excuse us….” What lessons of civility does Mrs Pearson teach George Pearson?

Answer:

Mrs Pearson insists that George should be polite to Mrs Fitzgerald, addressing her as a friend or neighbor. She emphasizes the importance of politeness and requests him to greet Mrs Fitzgerald politely instead of entering and sitting down silently.

 

Question 28:

Why does Mrs Pearson threaten to slap her husband?

Answer:

George's angry reaction to being humiliated in front of Mrs Fitzgerald prompts Mrs Pearson to threaten to slap him. Her frustration at his shouting compels her to assert herself in response to his disrespectful behavior.

 

Question 29:

“Either I’m off my chump or you two are.” Why do you think George arrives at this conclusion?

Answer:

Mrs Pearson threatens to slap George, and Mrs Fitzgerald, in Mrs Pearson's body, moans and pleads with Mrs Pearson not to do so. Confused by the exchange and the sudden change in behavior, George concludes that either he is mad or both Mrs Pearson and Mrs Fitzgerald are mad.

 

Question 30:

How is Doris taught a lesson in behavior?

Answer:

When Mrs Fitzgerald, in Mrs Pearson's body, mentions Doris going out with Charlie Spence, Doris becomes annoyed and retorts. Mrs Pearson scolds Doris harshly, instructing her to respond properly to Mrs Fitzgerald and warning her against behaving rudely with anyone.

 

Question 31:

How does the real Mrs Pearson learn about her daughter’s miserable state?

Answer:

In the swapped personalities, Mrs Fitzgerald, in Mrs Pearson's body, insists that Doris tell her how her mother has been criticizing her and making her miserable. Doris reluctantly reveals that her mother has been critical, making her feel miserable.

 

Question 32:

What forces the real Mrs Pearson to come to the conclusion: “That’s enough, quite enough”?

Answer:

The real Mrs Pearson, having the body of Mrs Fitzgerald, finds her harsh comments towards George, Doris, and Cyril offensive. She particularly objects to the comments about Charlie Spence. When Mrs Fitzgerald, in her body, is somewhat rude to George, the real Mrs Pearson reaches her limit and decides that it's enough.

 

Question 33:

What is Mrs Fitzgerald’s final advice to Mrs Pearson after reverting to their original personalities?

Answer:

After returning to their original personalities, Mrs Fitzgerald advises Mrs Pearson not to go soft on her family members again. She encourages Mrs Pearson not to explain or apologize, suggesting that she should occasionally use a look or a rough tone to convey toughness.

 

Question 34:

What would Mrs Pearson like the members of her family to do?

Answer:

Mrs Pearson expresses her desire for her family members to stay at home in the evening, lend a hand with supper, and engage in a nice family game of rummy. This represents a shift in dynamics, with Mrs Pearson asserting her expectations.

 

Question 35:

How does the stern treatment reform the spoiled children?

Answer:

Upon receiving Mrs Pearson's stern treatment, the children, Doris and Cyril, look apprehensive. However, when Mrs Pearson smiles, they reciprocate with smiles of their own. As they decide not to go out, Mrs Pearson suggests playing a family game of rummy, and the children comply, preparing supper obediently. The stern treatment results in a positive change in their behavior.

Class 11 English Snapshot Chapter 2 – The Address (Margo Minco) Long Question Answers

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 English

Snapshot

Chapter 2 – The Address (Margo Minco)

Long Question Answers

Question 1:

The woman asked, "Have you come back? I thought that no one had come back." Does this statement provide insight into the story? If so, what is it?

Answer:

Yes, this statement does offer a clue about the story. In the early stages of the war, Mrs. Dorling had relocated valuable belongings of her acquaintance, Mrs. S., to 46, Marconi Street. These items included table silverware, antique plates, and other valuables such as the iron Hanukkah candle-holder, a woolen tablecloth, and a green knitted cardigan with wooden buttons. Since Mrs. S. had passed away during the war, Mrs. Dorling did not anticipate anyone returning to claim these possessions, assuming that no one else knew the address.

 

This statement reveals the greedy and possessive nature of Mrs. Dorling. She did not recognize or acknowledge the daughter of her former acquaintance, refusing to open the door or allow her inside. Despite the narrator's specific purpose of visiting—to see her mother's belongings—Mrs. Dorling showed no signs of recognition, indicating a clash of interests.

 

Question 2:

The narrative is divided into pre-war and post-war periods. What challenges do you think the girl faced during these times?

Answer:

During the pre-war era, the narrator lived in a different city, far from home, and only visited her mother for a few days. In the first half of the war, the narrator's mother lived in constant fear of having to evacuate and potentially losing all valuable belongings. The narrator resided in the city in a small rented room with windows covered in blackout paper, unable to appreciate the beauty of nature outside due to the looming threat of death.

 

After liberation, normalcy returned. Bread became lighter in color, the fear of death diminished, and the narrator could sleep in her bed without worry. She could now glance out of the window each day. However, her curiosity about her mother's possessions stored at 46, Marconi Street led her to visit the address. Mrs. Dorling's lack of recognition and reluctance to admit her fueled the narrator's disappointment and prompted a second visit.

 

Question 3:

Why did the narrator of the story want to forget the address?

Answer:

The narrator recalled the address, Number 46, Marconi Street, only once when her mother mentioned it. Mrs. Dorling, an old acquaintance of her mother, lived there and had stored the valuable belongings of the narrator's mother. After her mother's death, the narrator felt compelled to visit the place, wanting to see, touch, and remember those possessions. Despite two visits to the address, she succeeded in entering the living room only during the second attempt.

 

However, the strange atmosphere, tasteless arrangement of objects, and the realization that these belongings had lost their value since being separated from her mother prompted a change in the narrator's perspective. She no longer desired to see, touch, or remember these items and decided to forget the address, symbolizing her determination to leave the past behind and move forward.

 

Question 4:

'The Address' is a story of human predicament that follows war. Comment.

Answer:

The story illustrates the challenging and unpleasant situations that arise for individuals in the aftermath of war. The human predicament following war is vividly depicted through the narrator's experiences. The war not only brought physical difficulties but also emotional suffering, particularly with the loss of the narrator's dear mother. The visit to 46, Marconi Street to retrieve her mother's valuable possessions reveals the greed and callousness of Mrs. Dorling, who stored these belongings but refused to recognize the narrator, denying her access.

 

The presence of her mother's possessions in a strange atmosphere adds to the narrator's emotional pain, as these valuables lose their significance when separated from her mother. The story reflects on how war disrupts lives and relationships, leaving individuals grappling with the challenges of loss and indifference.

Question 5:

How did the narrator become aware of Mrs. Dorling and the location of her residence?

Answer:

Several years ago, during the initial half of the war, the narrator returned home for a brief visit with her mother. After spending a couple of days there, she noticed changes in the rooms and the absence of various items. It was then that her mother shared details about Mrs. Dorling—an old acquaintance who had reappeared after many years. Mrs. Dorling would regularly visit, taking something with her each time. She proposed the idea of safeguarding precious belongings by storing them at her place. The narrator's mother disclosed the address, Number 46, Marconi Street. When the narrator inquired if her mother had agreed to let Mrs. Dorling keep everything, her mother disapproved, considering it an insult, and expressed concern about the risks Mrs. Dorling faced while carrying a full suitcase or bag.

 

Question 6:

Provide a concise account of the narrator’s initial visit to 46, Marconi Street. What impression does Mrs. Dorling leave?

Answer:

In the post-war period, as life returned to normal, the narrator's curiosity about her mother's stored possessions at Mrs. Dorling's house led her to take a train to 46, Marconi Street. Mrs. Dorling opened the door slightly, and as the narrator approached and inquired if she still recognized her, Mrs. Dorling claimed not to know her. Despite the narrator's identification as the daughter of Mrs. S., Mrs. Dorling remained silent and showed no sign of recognition. The narrator observed Mrs. Dorling wearing her mother's green knitted cardigan and noticed the lack of acknowledgment. Mrs. Dorling, with a surprised expression, declined to see or assist the narrator.

 

Question 7:

How did the second visit of the narrator to 46, Marconi Street differ from the first one? Did she truly accomplish her mission? Provide a reason for your answer.

Answer:

The second visit of the narrator to 46, Marconi Street differed from the first one in one aspect. During the initial visit, the narrator was denied entry to the house, while during the second visit, she was guided to the living room where she could see and touch some of the items she had eagerly desired. The visit had a specific purpose—to view her mother's belongings. The sensory experience of familiar things triggered memories of her past life. However, the realization that these objects had lost their genuine value since being separated from their original context led the narrator to decide to forget these possessions and move forward. This is evident in her resolution to forget the address.

 

Question 8:

What impression do you form of the narrator?

Answer:

The narrator leaves a favorable impression, portraying herself as an intelligent and devoted daughter. While she loves and respects her mother, she disapproves of her mother's soft behavior towards Mrs. Dorling. The narrator poses pointed questions that her mother considers impolite. Demonstrating keen powers of observation, the narrator notices missing items during her brief stay at home. Her sharp judgment is evident in sizing up Mrs. Dorling. The narrator's persistent efforts to remind Mrs. Dorling of their relationship and her indomitable spirit are revealed through her visits to 46, Marconi Street. She embraces realism, refusing to be tethered to the past, and her decision to forget the address showcases her resilience and forward-looking nature, indicative of a progressive personality.

 

Question 9:

Comment on the significance of the title of the story, "The Address."

Answer:

The title "The Address" is highly fitting, serving as the central element around which the entire narrative revolves. It is prominently featured at the story's beginning, middle, and end. Marga Minco skillfully directs the reader's focus to it through the narrator's initial doubt and subsequent self-assurance regarding the correctness of the address.

 

The middle part of the story elucidates how the narrator learned about the address, with her mother providing the crucial information about Mrs. Dorling's residence. The story concludes dramatically with the narrator's determined resolve to forget the address. This cyclical progression emphasizes the evolving significance of the address—once held in memory for years, only to be rendered irrelevant as the belongings stored there lose their utility.