Class 11 English - WEST-BENGAL
Supplementary: Mothers Day
Supplementary: Mother's Day is a satirical play by J.B. Priestley prescribed for Class 11 students under the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBBSE). The chapter explores the domestic life of Mrs. Annie Pearson, a devoted homemaker whose family takes her for granted and treats her like an unpaid servant. With the help of her bold and unconventional neighbor, Mrs. Fitzgerald, who possesses magic powers, the two women exchange personalities. This dramatic role-reversal allows Mrs. Fitzgerald (in Mrs. Pearson's body) to teach the selfish family members—her husband, son, and daughter—a much-needed lesson in respect, appreciation, and basic manners.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
The Persona Swap
Mrs. Fitzgerald uses her fortune-telling and magic skills to swap personalities with Mrs. Pearson, enabling a timid homemaker to become assertive and confront her family.
Domestic Exploitation
The play highlights how traditional homemakers are often overworked, unappreciated, and taken for granted by their working spouses and children.
Mrs. Annie Pearson
Initially introduced as a pleasant, submissive wife and mother who lacks self-confidence, she undergoes a dramatic behavioral transformation after the swap.
Mrs. Fitzgerald
A bold, confident, and somewhat domineering neighbor who drinks, smokes, and believes in taking a firm stand against familial disrespect.
Family Dynamics (George, Doris, and Cyril)
The husband and children are initially self-centered and demanding, but are left shocked and reformed after experiencing Mrs. Pearson's newfound strictness.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the WBBSE Class 11 annual examinations, this supplementary chapter usually carries around 6 to 10 marks. Common question types include Long Answer Type Questions (LQAs) focusing on character sketches (Mrs. Pearson or Mrs. Fitzgerald), the transformation of the family, and Short Answer Type Questions (SAQs) regarding specific dialogues or plot points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because her husband, son, and daughter treat her poorly, demand constant service, and go out every evening without spending time or showing appreciation for her hard work.
Because her husband, son, and daughter treat her poorly, demand constant service, and go out every evening without spending time or showing appreciation for her hard work.
How does the personality swap affect George, Doris, and Cyril?
They are initially confused, shocked, and deeply unsettled when Mrs. Pearson refuses to pamper them, insults their habits, and demands basic respect, eventually forcing them to reform.
What is the main message of the play Mother's Day?
The play emphasizes that homemakers deserve love, respect, and appreciation from their family members, and that taking a mother's selfless service for granted is unacceptable.
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