"Mother’s Day" - J. B. Priestley

 "Mother’s Day" by J. B. Priestley

(Part-III - Core XV - Short-stories and One-act Plays - Prescribed to the students of the Affiliated Colleges of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University)

Introduction

"Mother's Day" is a one-act play by the famous English writer, playwright, and broadcaster J. B. Priestley. Written in 1938, the play focuses on family relationships, especially the bond between a mother and her children. This essay will discuss the plot, characters, and themes of the play, highlighting the significance of a mother's role in a family.

Plot

The play is set in a small, humble English home and revolves around the story of Mrs. Pearson, a mother who is undervalued and overworked by her family. Her husband and children take her for granted, often treating her with disrespect and giving her no recognition for her efforts in keeping the household running smoothly.

One day, Mrs. Pearson meets her neighbor, Mrs. Fitzgerald, who offers to help her with a special spell. This spell, which can only be used on Mother's Day, allows the two women to switch roles. As a result, Mrs. Pearson is transformed into a confident and assertive woman, while Mrs. Fitzgerald takes on her role as the submissive and unappreciated mother.

The family, unaware of the switch, is shocked by the sudden change in Mrs. Pearson's behavior. They are forced to confront their own actions and attitudes towards her, realizing that they have taken her love and efforts for granted. Eventually, they learn to appreciate her and treat her with the respect she deserves. Once the family has understood their mistakes, the spell is lifted, and the two women return to their original roles.

Characters

1. Mrs. Pearson: The protagonist of the play, Mrs. Pearson is a loving and dedicated mother and wife who is constantly belittled and taken for granted by her family. Her transformation during the play helps her gain self-confidence and teaches her family the importance of appreciating her efforts.
2. Mrs. Fitzgerald: The mysterious and wise neighbor who helps Mrs. Pearson by casting the spell that enables them to switch roles. Her character serves as a catalyst for the events that unfold in the play.
3. Mr. Pearson: The husband of Mrs. Pearson, who is initially indifferent and dismissive of his wife's hard work but eventually learns to respect and appreciate her.
4. Doris Pearson: The self-centered and disrespectful daughter of Mrs. Pearson, who learns the importance of her mother's role in the family after experiencing the change in her behavior.
5. Cyril Pearson: The lazy and unappreciative son of Mrs. Pearson, who also comes to understand the value of his mother's contributions to the family.

Themes

1. Appreciation and Recognition: The play highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating the efforts of mothers in managing households and raising children. It conveys the message that taking someone for granted can lead to negative consequences and that a simple act of appreciation can make a significant difference in a person's life.
2. Family Dynamics: The play explores the dynamics of family relationships, with a particular focus on the bond between a mother and her children. It emphasizes the need for love, respect, and understanding among family members.
3. Empowerment and Self-Confidence: Mrs. Pearson's transformation in the play symbolizes the journey towards self-confidence and empowerment. As she learns to assert herself and stand up to her family, she inspires them to change their attitudes towards her.

Conclusion

"Mother's Day" by J. B. Priestley is a powerful play that highlights the vital role that mothers play in families. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating their efforts, as well as promoting love and understanding within the family unit. Through the story of Mrs. Pearson and her journey towards empowerment, the play teaches valuable lessons about self-confidence, personal growth, and the significance of treating others with respect. "Mother's Day" serves as a reminder to appreciate the love and care that mothers provide, and to acknowledge the tremendous sacrifices they make for their families. The play's message is timeless, emphasizing that a little appreciation can go a long way in creating a harmonious and loving family environment.