Introduction

The person whom we all adore next to God is our Mother. We can never repay our debt to her. It is ironical to note that she rarely gets her due. This play brings out the sad condition of the mother in most homes. A mother works from dawn till night to satisfy the needs of her husband and children. She cleans and sweeps. She cooks and washes. But sadly she gets no reward or praise for her labour. Her husband and children are most thoughtless. They never realize that she, too, is a human being and needs rest. We work for five or six days in a week and claim it as a right to have a day or two off. But do we allow the same right to our mother? Don't mothers, like all of us, have a body that can get tired and a mind that can get bored? Don't they, too, need some recreation?

Do we ever think of it? If we don't, we need to be chastised in some way or other. This is what this play is all about.

Key Elements

• Theme: The neglect and underappreciation of mothers in family life.
• Message: Mothers deserve rest and respect just like anyone else.

Practice Set

• Level 1: Why is the mother in the play not appreciated?
• Level 2: Explain the irony mentioned in the introduction about mothers.
• Level 3: Discuss how the play highlights the need for recognizing a mother's hard work.

Answer Key

• Mothers work tirelessly but are often taken for granted.
• The irony is that despite their hard work, mothers rarely get praise or rest.
• The play shows that mothers need rest and respect, just like others who work.

Quick Reference

• Mothers work hard from dawn to night.
• They rarely get rest or appreciation.
• The play urges us to recognize their efforts.

Glossary

• Ironical: Something that is opposite to what is expected.
• Recreation: Activities done for enjoyment and relaxation.

Summary

This play "Mother’s Day" revolves around Mrs. Pearson, a devoted mother who is unappreciated by her family. Her husband George and children Cyril and Doris are selfish and treat her like a servant. Mrs. Fitzgerald, the neighbour, uses magic to swap personalities with Mrs. Pearson to teach the family a lesson. Mrs. Pearson, in Mrs. Fitzgerald’s form, becomes firm and strict, refusing to serve her family as before. This shocks the family and makes them realize their mistakes. Eventually, the personalities are restored, and the family agrees to respect Mrs. Pearson.

Mrs. Pearson’s Position in Her Family

Mrs. Pearson loves her family deeply but is taken for granted. Her children and husband are thoughtless and selfish, ignoring her needs and treating her like a servant.

Mrs. Fitzgerald Offers a Solution

Mrs. Fitzgerald, the neighbour, offers to help by swapping personalities with Mrs. Pearson. This magical change allows Mrs. Pearson to experience rest and freedom, while Mrs. Fitzgerald takes on the role of the mother in the household.

Mrs. Pearson Becomes Firm and Strict

In her new role, Mrs. Pearson refuses to serve tea immediately, smokes, and plays cards, shocking her daughter Doris. She tells her family that she will also have days off like they do from work. This firm attitude surprises and scares the family, making them realize how much they have taken her for granted.

Family Attitude Changed

After the personalities are restored, the family members change their attitude. They agree to respect Mrs. Pearson and help her, understanding the importance of her role and the need to appreciate her efforts.

Key Elements

• Characters: Mrs. Pearson, Mrs. Fitzgerald, George Pearson, Doris, Cyril.
• Theme: Appreciation of mothers, family responsibility, respect.
• Plot: Personality swap to teach a lesson.

Important Quotes

• "Truth ought not to hurt anybody." – Mrs. Pearson
• "We all work for fixed hours in our offices. We have two days off a week. I will also have off days." – Mrs. Pearson

Practice Set

• Level 1: Who are the members of Mrs. Pearson’s family?
• Level 2: What changes does Mrs. Pearson make after the personality swap?
• Level 3: Analyze how the personality swap helps the family understand Mrs. Pearson’s role.

Answer Key

• Mrs. Pearson’s family includes her husband George, son Cyril, and daughter Doris.
• Mrs. Pearson becomes firm, refuses to serve immediately, and demands rest.
• The swap makes the family experience the mother’s perspective, leading to respect and appreciation.

Quick Reference

• Mrs. Pearson is loving but unappreciated.
• Mrs. Fitzgerald swaps personalities to teach a lesson.
• The family learns to respect Mrs. Pearson.

Glossary

• Personality Swap: Exchanging roles or identities.
• Incisive: Clear and direct in expression.