Q1. 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 several important issues:

• The lack of appreciation and respect shown to mothers and wives.
• The thankless nature of household work and the expectation that mothers should be on call 24/7 with “no wages nor thanks”.
• The emotional toll on a mother who feels like a servant in her own home.
• The selfishness and thoughtlessness of children and husbands.
• The need for women to stand up for their own rights and not be afraid to say no.

(ii) Do you think it caricatures these issues or do you think that the problems it raises are genuine?
Answer: The play uses caricature—exaggerating the family’s self-centered behavior and Mrs. Pearson’s timidness—for comedic effect. However, the problems it raises are absolutely genuine. The play’s humor serves as a way to highlight the very real, and often unacknowledged, issues of domestic labor, emotional neglect, and the lack of respect for mothers in many families, even today.

How does the play resolve the issues? Do you agree with the resolution?
Answer: The play resolves the issues by having Mrs. Fitzgerald, in Mrs. Pearson’s body, take a harsh and firm stand against the family. She forces them to confront their selfish behavior by refusing to serve them, and by speaking the blunt truth about their thoughtlessness. This shock treatment makes the family realize their mother’s value.
Whether I agree with the resolution is debatable. While the outcome is positive, the method—deceit and public humiliation—is extreme. A more honest, direct approach would have been ideal. However, the play suggests that sometimes, a drastic measure is necessary to break long-standing bad habits and get people to listen.

Q2. 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: If I were to write a modern version of this play, I’d include these issues and examples:

• Digital device addiction: Family members glued to their phones and gaming consoles, completely ignoring the mother.
• Meal delivery services: The children and husband order their own food without considering the meal she’s prepared.
• Mental health: The mother’s quiet desperation could be shown as anxiety or depression, and the family’s obliviousness would be even more prominent.
• Weaponizing incompetence: The family pretends they don’t know how to do simple chores like loading the dishwasher or doing laundry, so the mother just does it herself.
• The “emotional labor” debate: The mother is the only one who remembers birthdays, appointments, and other family responsibilities.

Q3. Is drama a good medium for conveying a social message? Discuss.
Answer: Yes, drama is an excellent medium for conveying a social message. Unlike a lecture or an essay, drama allows the audience to see the issues in action. By creating characters and conflicts, it makes abstract social problems relatable and emotional. The audience can feel sympathy for a character like Mrs. Pearson and recognize her struggles in their own lives. The use of humor and satire, as in this play, can make a difficult topic more accessible and memorable. Drama also encourages discussion and empathy, which can lead to real-world change.

Q4. Read the play out in parts. Enact the play on a suitable occasion.
Answer: This is an activity-based question that requires the user to perform a task. A possible response would be:
“That’s a fantastic idea! Performing the play would be a great way to bring the characters to life. You could gather your friends or family and assign parts. This would be perfect for a family gathering or a school drama club event. It would be a lot of fun and a great way to explore the play’s message together.” 

Q5. Discuss in groups plays or films with a strong message of social reform that you have watched.
Answer: This is an activity-based question that requires group discussion. A possible response would be:
“This is a great topic for group discussion! A few films and plays come to mind that have strong social reform messages:

• Parasite: This film brilliantly uses dark humor and satire to expose the stark realities of class inequality in modern society.
• A Doll’s House: This classic play by Henrik Ibsen was revolutionary in its time for its critique of traditional marriage and a woman’s lack of independence.
• Erin Brockovich: A compelling film that tells the true story of a woman who takes on a powerful corporation for poisoning a town’s water supply, highlighting the fight for environmental justice.
  These examples show how storytelling can be a powerful tool for social commentary and change.”