Mother’s Day
Reading with Insight
1. This play, written in the 1950s, is a humorous and satirical depiction of the status of the mother in the family.
(i) What are the issues it raises?
Answer.
The main issue raised by the play is that the lady of the house, who functions similarly to an axis, is never given due respect, especially if she is a simple housewife. The members of her family take her for granted. She is like an unpaid servant. The second problem is that the mistress of the house ought to be firm in her stance. Rather than surrendering meekly, she should be prepared to argue her case with tenacity.
(ii) Do you think it caricatures these issues or do you think that the problems it raises are genuine? How does the play resolve the issues? Do you agree with the resolution?
Answer.
No, I don’t think it caricatures these issues, because the problems raised by it are genuine.
The play helps to solve these issues by showing the audience what tends to happen if the mother neglects her responsibilities.
Yes, I agree with the proposed resolution. Every member of the family should spend some time with the angel who has brought so much colour to the family.
2. If you were to write about these issues today what are some of the incidents, examples and problems that you would think of as relevant?
Answer.
If I were to start writing about certain current issues, I wouldn’t have to go far looking for examples. The same thing happens in my house. We are three brothers and a sister who are all in school. My father is employed. My mother gets up early in the morning to prepare four breakfast sets and tiffins. We take our time getting ready, but if there is even a 5-second delay on my mother’s part, we all bring the roof down. The same ritual is performed in the evening. Mother gets up before the rest of us and goes to bed after the rest of us. Her presence had been taken for granted by all of us. My grandmother became ill one day, and my mother had to leave for two days. Without her, the entire house appeared to have been hit by a tornado. We all decided to wait for her as if we were expecting a miracle to occur. When she eventually appeared, we all breathed a sigh of relief and vowed never to underestimate her.
3. Is drama a good medium for conveying a social message? Discuss
Answer.
Yes, drama is an effective medium for communicating a social message. It is an excellent platform for displaying most such problems and solutions in a matter of minutes. People have a great attachment to dramas and are likely to remember them for a long time. Dramas undoubtedly play a significant role in bringing about social change.
4. Read the play out in parts. Enact the play on a suitable occasion.
Answer.
Do it yourself.
5. Discuss in groups plays or films with a strong message of social reform that you have watched.
Answer.
Do it yourself.