Mother’s Day

 *Mother's Day*

Summary 

"Mother's Day" by J.B. Priestley is a one-act comedy that satirizes the dynamics within a typical family and explores the theme of unappreciated domestic work. The play centers around Mrs. Annie Pearson, a gentle and devoted housewife whose family members—her husband George, daughter Doris, and son Cyril—take her efforts for granted. They expect her to cook, clean, and take care of them without recognizing her hard work or showing appreciation.

The story begins with Mrs. Pearson confiding in her neighbor, Mrs. Fitzgerald, about her family’s lack of respect. Mrs. Fitzgerald, a strong-willed and assertive woman with experience in handling people, suggests a bold solution: they should exchange personalities temporarily to teach Mrs. Pearson's family a lesson. Although Mrs. Pearson is initially hesitant, she agrees to the swap after some persuasion.

Through a magical spell, Mrs. Fitzgerald and Mrs. Pearson exchange personalities. The transformed Mrs. Pearson, now speaking with Mrs. Fitzgerald’s blunt and confident manner, surprises her family. When Doris, her daughter, asks for help with her clothes, Mrs. Pearson responds sarcastically and refuses. Doris, shocked by her mother’s new attitude, complains about her rudeness, but Mrs. Pearson dismisses her complaints and even teases her about her boyfriend.

The son, Cyril, is the next to encounter this unexpected behavior. He demands tea, but Mrs. Pearson refuses, asserting that she’s done enough for the family and deserves some respect. Like Doris, Cyril is shocked and unsure of how to handle his mother’s assertiveness.

When George, the father, arrives home, he, too, is taken aback by the changed Mrs. Pearson. She mocks his frequent visits to the club and ridicules his fondness for drinking and playing games, which are of little benefit to the family. She also confronts him about his habit of ignoring her and expecting her to serve him without any gratitude. George, bewildered and embarrassed, struggles to understand this sudden transformation in his usually docile wife.

Gradually, the family members start to realize the impact of Mrs. Pearson’s hard work and dedication. By challenging their expectations, Mrs. Pearson (through Mrs. Fitzgerald’s personality) makes them realize that she deserves the same respect, care, and leisure as they do. The family becomes more conscious of their selfish attitudes and promises to change.

In the end, Mrs. Fitzgerald and Mrs. Pearson switch back to their original personalities, with Mrs. Pearson confident that her family has learned an important lesson. The play closes on a positive note, suggesting that Mrs. Pearson’s family will now treat her with the respect and gratitude she deserves.

Through witty dialogue and humorous situations, Mother’s Day critiques societal expectations of women’s roles in the family and underscores the need for mutual respect and appreciation within households.

*Characters*

Mrs Annie Pearson:  

A timid, anxious housewife in her forties, Mrs Pearson is deeply devoted to her family yet suffers neglect and emotional exploitation. She tirelessly performs household chores for her husband George, daughter Doris, and son Cyril, but receives little acknowledgement or affection in return. Initially reluctant to assert herself, Mrs Pearson undergoes a transformation through Mrs Fitzgerald’s intervention, learning to stand up for her needs and demand respect.

Mrs Fitzgerald:  

A strong, dominating, and resourceful neighbour, Mrs Fitzgerald acts as the catalyst for change. She encourages Mrs Pearson to become assertive and uses her mystical powers to swap personalities, thereby teaching the Pearson family a much-needed lesson about gratitude and respect.

Doris Pearson:  

Doris is a pretty but spoiled young woman in her early twenties. She treats her mother like a servant, ordering her about without appreciation for her efforts. Doris’s shock at Mrs Pearson’s sudden boldness becomes an important moment of self-realisation.

Cyril Pearson:  

The masculine counterpart to Doris, Cyril is thoughtless, entitled, and quick to anger when his mother is not ready to serve him. Like his sister, Cyril must face the consequences of his selfishness after the personality swap.

George Pearson:  

George, the patriarch, is disengaged from family life and treats his wife as a subservient figure. He faces embarrassment when Mrs Pearson exposes how he is mocked at his social club, which prompts him to reconsider his behaviour at home.