Mother’s day class 11 chapter 5 English Snapshots Explanation summary Question and Answers
Mother’s day class 11 chapter 5 English Snapshots book summary and detailed explanation of the chapter along with meaning of difficult words. also the explanation is followed by a summary of the chapter. 5 all the exercise along with Question and Answer are given at the back of the chapter that have been covered.
Mother’s day class 11
Mother’s day by
(J.B Priestly )
Mother’s day class 11 Introduction
The play written by J.B Priestly reveals how a mother’s efforts are ignored by her family. it narrates how the family members who work eight hour shifts a day look upon her although she works for the whole day and all week. after all she does for them, they take her for granted, they make her feel obligated to provide for them and do not even appreciate her efforts, it revolves around how her friend Mrs. Fitzgerald who is a fortune teller helps her earn the place and respect she deserves as the woman of the house.
Mother’s day class 11 Characters
- Mrs Annie Pearson (wife)
- George Pearson (husband)
- Doris Pearson (daughter)
- Cyril Pearson (son)
- Mrs Fitzgerald (fortune-teller)
Mother’s day class 11 Explanation
The following play is a humorous portrayal of the status. of the mother in a family, let’s read on to see how Mrs Pearson’s family reacts when she tries to stand up for her own rights.
Scene: The living -room of the Pearson, family afternoon it is a comfortably furnished, much lived -in room in a small suburban semi-detached villa. if necessary only one door need be used. but it is better with two -one up left leading to the front door and the stairs and the other in the right wall leading to the kitchen and the back door, there can be muslin-covered window in the left wall and possibly one in the right wall, to the fireplace is assumed to be in the fourth wall. there is a settee up right. an armchair down left and one down right. A small table with two chairs on either side of it stands at the centre.
when the curtain rises it is an afternoon in early autumn and the stage can be well it. Mrs Pearson at right. and Mrs Fitzgerald at left, are sitting opposite each other at the small table, on which are two tea-cups and saucers and the cards with which Mrs Fitzgerald has been telling Mrs Pearson’s fortune .Mrs Pearson is a Pleasant but worried -looking woman in her forties. Mrs Fitzgerald is older, heavier and a strong and sinister personality. she is smoking .it is very important that these two should have sharply contrasting voices -Mrs Pearson speaking in a light. flurried sort of tone, with a touch of suburban Cockney Perhaps ‘and Mrs Fitzgerald with a deep voice, rather Irish Perhaps.
Mrs Fitzgerald: [ collecting up the cards] and that’s all I can tell you.Mrs Pearson, could be a good fortune. could be a bad one. all depends on yourself now. make up your mind and there it is.
Mrs. Pearson: yes thank you , Mrs Fitzgerald. I’m much obliged I’m sure. It’s wonderful having a real fortune-teller living door. did you learn that out East. too?
Mrs Fitzgerald : I did Twelve years I had of it. with my old man rising to be Lieutenant Quartermaster. he learnt at lot, and I learnt a lot more but will you make up your mind now, Mrs Pearson dear? put your foot down. once an ‘ for all an be the mistress of your own house an the boss of your own family
Mrs Pearson: [smiling apologetically] that’s easier said than done. besides I’m so fond of them even if they are so thoughtless and selfish .they don’t mean to be.
Mrs Fitzgerald : [ cutting in ] maybe not .but it’ud be better for them if they learnt to treat you properly
Mrs Pearson: Yes I suppose it would. in a way
Mrs Fitzgerald : No doubt about it at all. who’s the better for being spoilt grown man, lad or girl ? nobody. you think it does em good when you run after them all the time , take their orders as if you were the servant in the house, stay at home every night while they go out enjoying themselves? never in all your life. it’s the ruin of them as well as you. husbands, sons daughters should be taking notice of wives an mothers, not giving em orders an treating em’ like dirt. An don’t tell me you don’t know what I Mean, for I know more than you’ve told me
Mrs Pearson: [dubiously] I keep dropping a hint.
Mrs Fitzgerald : Hint? it’s more than hints your family needs. Mrs Pearson
Mother’s day class 11
Mrs Pearson: [dubiously] I suppose it is but I do hate any unpleasantness. and it’s so hard to know where to start. I keep making up my mind to have it out with them but somehow I don’t know how to begin [she glances at her watch or at a clock] Oh good gracious! Look at the time. nothing ready and they’II be home any minute and probably all in a hurry to go out again. as she is about to rise, Mrs Fitzgerald reaches out across the table and pulls her down.
Mrs Fitzgerald: Let’em wait or look after themselves for once. this is where your foot goes down. start now [she lights a cigarette from the one she has just finished]
Mrs Pearson: [embarrassed] Mrs Fitzgerald I know you mean well in fact. I agree with you but I just can’t and it’s use you trying to make me, if promises you I’d really have it out with them. I know I wouldn’t be able to keep my Promise.
Mrs Fitzgerald : then let me do it.
Mrs Pearson: [Flustered] but that wouldn’t do at all. it couldn’t possibly be somebody else they’d resent it at once and wouldn’t listen and really I couldn’t blame them. I know I ought to do it -but you see how it is ? [she looks apologetically across the table, smiling rather misterably]
Mrs Fitzgerald :[coolly] you haven’t got the idea
Mrs Pearson :[bewildered ] oh -I’m sorry -I thought you asked me to let you do. it
Mrs Fitzgerald: I did but not as me as you.
Mrs Pearson: but that’s impossible
Mrs Fitzgerald : How do you know? Ever tried it ?
Mrs Pearson: No, of course not..
Mrs Fitzgerald: [coolly] I have not for some time but it still ought to work. won’t last long but long enough for what we want to do. learnt it these tricks . [she holds her hand out across the table ,keeping the cigarette in her mouth] Gimme your hands, dear
Mrs Pearson: [dubiously] well – I don’t know is right?
Mrs Fitzgerald: It’s your only chance, give me your hands an’ keep quiet a minute just don’t think about anything [taking her hands] now look at me, [they stare at each other. muttering] Arshtatta dum -arshtatta lam -arshtatta lamdumbona.
[this little scene should be e acted very carefully we are to assume that the the personalities change bodies after the spell has been spoken both women still grasping hands go lax as if the life where out of them then both come to life but with the personality of the other each must try to adopt the voice and mannerisms of the Other so now Mrs Pearson is bold and dominating and Mrs Fitzgerald is nervous and fluttering.]
Mrs Pearson: [now with Mrs Fitzgerald’s personality] see what I mean there she noticed the cigaret here year you don’t want that say snatches it it and put Sports it in here on mouth puffing contentedly.
Mrs Fitzgerald: now with Mrs Pearson’s personality, looks down at herself and sees that her body has changed and gives a scream of fright.
Mrs Fitzgerald: [with Mrs Pearson’s personality ] Oh it’s happened
Mrs Pearson: [complacently ] of course it’s happened .very neat, didn’t know I had it in me
Mrs Fitzgerald: [alarmed] but whatever shall I do. Mrs Fitzgerald ? George and the children can’t see me like this
Mrs Pearson: [grimly] they aren’t going to – that’s the point. they’II have me to deal wit only they won’t know it.
Mrs Fitzgerald: [still alarmed] but what if we can’t change back ? It’ud be terribly .
Mrs Pearson: here steady, Mrs Pearson if you had to live my life it wouldn’t be so bad. you’d have more fun as me than you’ve had as you.
Mrs Fitzgerald: yes -but I don’t want to be anybody else.
Mrs Pearson: Now stop worrying it’s easier changing back I can do it any time we want..
Mrs Fitzgerald: well -do it now ..
Mrs Pearson: Not likely. I’ve got to deal with your family first that’s the idea. isn it? didn’t know how to begin with’em you said. well I’II show you.
Mrs Fitzgerald: but what am I going to do?
Mrs Pearson: Go into my house for a bit -there’s nobody there then pop back and see how we’re doing. you ought to enjoy it, better get off now before one of’em comes
Mrs Fitzgerald: [nervously rising] yes – I suppose that’s best. you’re sure it’II be all right?
Mrs Pearson: [chucking ] It’II be wonderful. now off you go dear.
Mrs Fitzgerald crosses and hurries out through the door right. left to herself. Mrs Pearson smokes away -lighting another cigarette and begins laying out the cards for patience on the table. after a few moments Doris Pearson comes bursting in left, she is a pretty girl in her early twenties. who would be pleasant enough if she had not been spoilt.
Doris: before she has taken anything in Mum-you’II have to iron my yellow silk, I must wear it tonight. [she now sees what is happening .and is astounded] what are you doing ? she moves down left centre.
Mrs Pearson now uses her ordinary voice. but her manner is not fluttering and apologetic but cool and incisive.
Mrs Pearson: ]not even looking up] what d’you think I’m doing whitewashing the celling?
Doris: [still astounded] but you’re smoking
Mrs Pearson: that’s right. dear no law against it, is there ?
Doris: but I thought you didn’t smoke.
Mrs Pearson: then you thought wrong
Doris: are we having tea in the kitchen?
Mrs Pearson: have it where you like dear
Doris: [angrily] do you mean it isn’t ready ?
Mrs Pearson: yours isn’t I’ve had all want. Might go out later and get a square meal at the clarendon.
Doris: [hardly believing her ears ] who might ?
Mrs Pearson: I might who d’you think?
Doris: starting at her Mum-what’s the matter with you?
Mrs Pearson: don’t be silly.
Doris: [indignantly] it’s not me that’s being silly and I must say it’s a bit much when I’ve been working hard all day and you can’t even bother to get my tea ready. did you hear what I said about my yellow silk ?
Mrs Pearson: No .don’t you like it now ? I never did
Doris: [indignantly] of course I like it. and I’m going to wear it tonight. so I want it ironed .
Mrs Pearson: want it ironed ? what d’you think it’s going to do iron itself?
Doris: No. you’re going to iron it for me.. you always do
Mrs Pearson: well, this time I don’t and don’t talk rubbish to me about working hard. I’ve good idea how much you. do Doris Pearson, I put in twice the hours you do and get no wages not thanks for it. why are you going to wear your yellow silk? where are you going ?
Doris: [sulkily] out with Charlie spence.
Mrs Pearson: why ?
Doris: [wildly] why ? why? what’s the matter with you? why shouldn’t i go out with Charlie spence if he asks me and I want to? any objections? go on you might as well tell me..
Mrs Pearson: [severely] Can’t you find anybody better ? I wouldn’t be seen dead with Charlie spence. buck teeth and half-witted
Doris: He isn’t
Mrs Pearson: when i was your age I’d have found somebody better than Charlie spence or give myself up as a bad job.
Doris: [nearly in tears] On shut-up Doris runs out left, Mrs Pearson chuckles and begins putting the cards together. after a moment cyril Pearson enters left, he is the masculine counterpart of Doris.
Cyril: [Briskly hello- Mum tea ready?
Mrs Pearson: No.
Cyril: [moving to the table’ annoyed] why not?
Mrs Pearson: [cooldly] I couldn’t bother
Cyril: feeling off-colour or something ?
Mrs Pearson: Never felt better in my life.
Cyril: [aggressively] what’s the idea then?
Mrs Pearson: juts a change.
Cyril: [briskly] well’ snap out of it., Ma – and get cracking, haven;t too much time .
[Cyril is about to go when Mrs Pearson’s voice checks him.]
Mrs Pearson: I’ve plenty of time
Cyril: Yes, but I haven’t Got a busy night tonight [moving left to the door ] did you put my things out?
Mrs Pearson: [coolly] Can’t remember. but I doubt it
Cyril :[moving to the table: protesting] now – look through ’em first in case there was any mending
Mrs Pearson: Yes well now I’ve decided I don’t like mending .
Cyril: that’s nice way to talk what would heppen if we all talk like that?
Mrs Pearson: you all do talk like that .if there’s something at home you don’t want to do you don’t do it. if it’s something at your work. you get the union to bar it. now all that’s happened is that I’ve joined the movement.
Cyril: [staggered] I don’t get this , Mum what’s going on ?
Mrs Pearson: [laconic and sinister] Changes.
Doris enters left, she is in the process of dressing and is now wearing a wrap. she looks pale and red-eyed
Mrs Pearson: You look terrible I wouldn’t wear that face even for Charlie spence.
Doris: [moving above the table: angrily] Oh shut up about Charlie spence. and anyhow I’m not ready yet- just dressing and it I do look terrible, it’s yours fault -you made me cry.
Cyril: [Curious] why what did she do?
Doris: Never you mind
Mrs Pearson: [rising and preparing to move to the kitchen] have we any stout left? I can’t remember.
Cyril: Bottle or two, I think but you don’t want stout now
Mrs Pearson: [moving left slowly] I do.
Cyril: what for ?
Mrs Pearson: [turning at the door ] to drink you clot!
Mrs Pearson exits right. Instantly Cyril and Doris are in a huddle , close together at left centre, rapidly whispering
Doris: has she been like that with you’too?
Cyril: yes no tea ready couldn’t care less
Doris: well’ I’m glad it’s both of us I thought I’d done something wrong
Cyril: so did I but its her of course.
Doris: she was smoking and playing cards when I came In. I couldn’t believe my eyes.
Cyril: I asked her if she was feeling off colour and she said she wasn’t
Doris: well, she’s suddenly all different an that’s what made me cry.it wasn’t what she said but the way she said It-an the way she looked.
Cyril: Haven’t noticed that.she looks just the same to me.
Doris: she doesn’t to me. do you think she could have hit her head or something y’know an got what’ is it? Y’know ..
Cyril: [staggered] Do you Mean she’s barmy?
Doris: No you fathead. Y’know concussion. she might have.
Cyril: might have .
Doris: well, she’s far fetched, if you ask me. [she suddenly begins t giggle]
Cyril: now then -what is it?
Doris: if she’s going to be like this when dad comes home. [she’ giggle again]
Mother’s day class 11 summary
The play begins with two friends having a conversation at Mrs. Pearson’s house. Mrs Fitzgerald is telling Mrs Pearson’s fortune and advises her on it. Mrs Pearson goes about telling how her family members don’t value her and don’t appreciate whatever she does for the. she is available form them 24 *7 and all they do is come in. throw orders around at her and leave without even saying thank you. Mrs Fitzgerald tells her to take her stand as the woman of the house but Mrs Pearson’ being the sweet and innocent lady doesn’t want to bring her family any sort of discomfort. she continues to handle their tantrums because she doesn’t know where to begin when it comes to making them disciplined Mrs Fitzgerald Proposes a plan to switch their bodies so that Mrs Fitzgerald takes her place without her family knowing. Mrs. Pearson is hesitant at first but then Mrs Fitzgerald convinces her for it. Mrs Fitzgerald performs her magic that she’d learned from the East and their personalities. are changed. Now Mrs. Fitzgerald is actually in Mrs Pearson’s body and vice-versa. Now new Mrs Pearson tells Mrs Fitzgerald to go to her house for the time being.
Mother’s day class 11 Question and Answers
Question”1 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” No matter that time has changed and women in today’s society have become confident and aware about their rights. however they still continues to be dominated in conservative societies like ours. Even in western world one may find many such families. like Pearsons, where the lady of the house alone manages all for the rest of the members. they work round the clock, doing the house hold chores all by themselves without complaining and do not even receive appreciation . our mothers take little liberty to enjoy or have their own leisure time. A woman is accepted only in the avtar of a home maker, we never can accept our mothers or wives going out with her friends.
Question”2 Is Drama a good medium for Conveying a social message? Discuss .
Answer” Drama or theatre is a perfect media to deliver social messages to the society .now that we are in the digital era, we have various kinds of media, print electronic and cyber. however in the times when there were no Tvs, the only media was theatre. media not just reflects the society but also revolutionises the society Jean Genet has made it very clear from his plays that the society dwells on images. hence what we shows affects the society largely. so in Drama or theatre when the characters come alive and equivocally make their point in front of the whole society, they raise questions, very strong and vital issues are highlighted, which otherwise remain ignored people heed to what is displayed and learn and not just relate and get emotional.
Mother’s day class 11 MCQ’s
Question”1 The attitude of Mrs. Pearson’s family changes towards her. Comment
- no
- yes
- Maybe
- Not clear from the story
Question”2 Mrs. Fitzgerald asks Mrs. Pearson to be ——— with her family
- rude
- polite
- ignorant
- firm
Question”3 when do Mrs. Pearson and Mrs. Fitzgerald get back to their original selves?
- when Mrs. Pearson’s family gets to know about them
- when they both get bored
- when the situation goes out of hand
- None of the above
Question”4 It’s that silly old bag from next door. Mrs Fitzgerald” who said this ?
- Dorris
- Cyril
- George
- Mrs. Pearson
Question”5 Mrs. Pearson tells George that he is being ———- at the club.
- respected
- laughed upon
- called names
- both B and C
Question”6 How does the author describe George Pearson?
- Pompous
- solemn
- Fifty-ish
- all of the above
Question”7 why was Doris red-eyed ?
- because of an infection
- because of a fight
- because of crying
- because she was getting ready to head out
Question”8 Buck teeth and half-witted “who has been described here?
- Cyril Pearson
- George Pearson
- Charlie spence
- Mrs. Fitzgerald
Question”9 what makes Doris astounded as soon as she enters the house ?
- the sight of her mother smoking
- because the tea was not ready
- because her mother was not there
- None of the above
Question”10 Mrs. Pearson was ——–about Mrs. Fitzgerald’s plan.
- Excited
- hesitant
- sure
- envious
MCQ’s Answers
| Q.NO | Answer | Q.No | Answer |
| 1 | B | 6 | D |
| 2 | D | 7 | C |
| 3 | C | 8 | C |
| 4 | B | 9 | A |
| 5 | D | 10 | B |