Mother's Day Question Answer Chapter 3 Solved PDF

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 play raises the issue of the lack of respect and appreciation given to a housewife. Mrs Pearson's family takes her work for granted and treats her as if serving the family is her only duty. The play also shows that a mother should be respected as an equal member of the family and should not be expected to do everything for everyone without appreciation.

(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: The problems raised in the play are genuine, although they are presented through humour and satire. Mrs Pearson is not properly respected by her husband and children, and they depend on her for almost everything. The problem is resolved when Mrs Pearson becomes firm and makes her family realise how much they depend on her. Her family members understand their mistake and agree to treat her with more respect and consideration. Yes, I agree with the resolution because every member of a family should respect and share responsibilities with one another.

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: Today, some relevant issues would be the unequal sharing of household work, lack of appreciation for mothers, pressure on women to manage both home and work, and the expectation that mothers should always be available for the needs of family members. In many families, women still carry a large share of household responsibilities without receiving enough recognition or rest.

3. Is drama a good medium for conveying a social message? Discuss.
Answer: Yes, drama is a good medium for conveying a social message. It presents social problems through characters and situations, so people can see and understand them easily. The actions and reactions of the characters make the message more effective and memorable. In Mother's Day, humour and family situations help the audience understand the importance of respecting and appreciating mothers.

4. Read the play out in parts. Enact the play on a suitable occasion.

Answer: This is an activity-based question. The play can be divided among students, with different students taking the roles of Mrs Pearson, George Pearson, Doris Pearson, Cyril Pearson and Mrs Fitzgerald. The students can then enact the play in the classroom or on a suitable school occasion.

5. Discuss in groups plays or films with a strong message of social reform that you have watched.

Answer: One such film is Swades. It presents the problems faced by people in a rural village and highlights the importance of education, development and self-help. The film gives a strong message about social responsibility and rural development.