Mother’s Day Questions Answers Class 11 NCERT English provides clear and simple solutions for students. This guide helps learners understand the story’s themes, characters, and events. Ideal for Class 11 NCERT English exam preparation and quick revision.
About the Author:
J. B. Priestley (1894–1984) was a famous English playwright, novelist, and essayist. He served in the First World War and later studied at Cambridge University. Priestley became well known for his plays, novels, and radio broadcasts. His most popular play is An Inspector Calls, which shows social responsibility. In Mother’s Day, he used humour to show how mothers are often disrespected at home. His writings always carry a strong moral message about family and society.
Summary of Mother’s Day
The play Mother’s Day is written by J.B. Priestley. It shows how mothers are often ignored and not respected in their own families. The story is about Mrs. Annie Pearson, a gentle and loving mother, and her neighbour, Mrs. Fitzgerald, who is bold and strong.
Mrs. Pearson’s husband, George, and her children, Doris and Cyril, take her for granted. They treat her like a servant. They never thank her or respect her feelings. Annie is unhappy but too soft to protest. She wants to correct them but does not know how.
Mrs. Fitzgerald advises her to be firm. When Annie hesitates, Mrs. Fitzgerald uses magic to exchange their personalities. Now, Annie speaks with Fitzgerald’s boldness. She shocks her family by smoking, drinking, and refusing to serve them. She also makes fun of Doris’s boyfriend, Cyril’s careless attitude, and George’s club activities.
At first, Doris, Cyril, and George are surprised and angry. But slowly, they realise their mistakes. They see that their mother also needs rest, love, and respect. Mrs. Pearson announces that she will also work only certain hours and will take weekends off like others.
In the end, the family agrees to change. They decide to stay together that evening and play games. The situation becomes happy and peaceful again.
The play gives a strong message. It teaches us that mothers should not be treated as servants. They are the centre of the family and must get love, respect, and care.
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Word Notes:
fortune; fate
obliged; thankful
fond; loving
thoughtless; careless
selfish; greedy
ruin; destruction
hint; suggestion
resent; dislike
bewildered; confused
dubiously; doubtfully
fluttering; restless
complacently; self-satisfied
grimly; sternly
sulkily; gloomily
laconic; brief
sinister; menacing
astonished; amazed
indignantly; angrily
glowering; scowling
aghast; shocked
glumly; sadly
taunting; mocking
savagely; fiercely
absurd; ridiculous
agreeable; pleasant
amazed; astonished
anxious; worried
apologetic; regretful
assertive; confident
attentive; careful
authoritative; commanding
banter; teasing
boastful; proud
bold; daring
brusque; rude
candid; frank
careless; neglectful
cheerful; happy
childish; immature
clumsy; awkward
commanding; forceful
complaining; grumbling
conceited; vain
concerned; troubled
considerate; thoughtful
contempt; disrespect
courageous; brave
critical; fault-finding
cross; angry
cruel; harsh
curious; inquisitive
decent; proper
defensive; protective
demanding; exacting
depressed; unhappy
determined; resolute
disappointed; disheartened
disobedient; unruly
disrespectful; impolite
doubtful; uncertain
dull; boring
egoistic; self-centred
embarrassed; ashamed
emotional; sensitive
envious; jealous
exhausted; tired
expectant; hopeful
fidgety; restless
firm; strong
flustered; nervous
foolish; silly
frank; open
furious; enraged
NCERT Snapshots Textual Questions Answers Class 11 [Page No 33]
“Mother’s Day” NCERT Snapshots Textual Questions Answers for Class 11 CBSE are written in a clear and easy-to-understand way. These answers help students learn about the story’s main ideas, characters, and writing style. They are great for quick revision, exam preparation, and for building a strong understanding of the lesson.
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?
(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?
Ans: (i) The play shows the status of the mother in the family. Mrs Pearson is gentle, hardworking, and loving, but her husband George and children Doris and Cyril do not respect her. They expect her to do all the work while they enjoy themselves. The issue is that they take her for granted, leave her at home night after night, and never share responsibilities. This raises the problem that housewives are treated as servants instead of being valued. It shows how selfish behaviour in a family can make the mother feel neglected and unappreciated.
(ii) The problems are genuine, not a caricature. Mrs Fitzgerald helps Mrs Pearson by using a magic spell to exchange personalities. Speaking firmly in Mrs Pearson’s body, she refuses extra work and shows George, Doris, and Cyril how selfish they have been. The family is shocked and begins to understand their mistake. After the spell is reversed, Mrs Pearson gains confidence. Mrs Fitzgerald advises her to stay firm and not apologise. At the end, the family agrees to play rummy together, prepare supper, and respect her wishes. The play resolves the issues well, and the resolution is right.
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?
Ans: Even today many mothers face the same problem. They do all the housework, cooking, and caring, but often get little respect or help. Children spend time on mobiles, TV, or outings, and fathers are busy with jobs or clubs, leaving mothers alone. Incidents like not sharing housework, ignoring her wishes, or treating her as a servant are still relevant. The problem is that housewives are not valued equally, though they work hardest. Writing today, I would include examples of modern families where mothers ask for respect, freedom, and shared responsibility.
3. Is drama a good medium for conveying a social message? Discuss.
Ans: Yes, drama is a very good medium for conveying a social message. It shows real people, situations, and problems in a simple way that everyone can understand. Through humour, satire, and dialogues, drama entertains but also makes us think. In this play, the family first laughs but later learns respect for the mother. The stage makes the message clear and strong because we can see and hear emotions. Unlike lectures or books, drama touches both heart and mind. It spreads the message quickly to common people. So, drama is one of the best ways to teach social reform.
4. Read the play out in parts. Enact the play on a suitable occasion.
Ans: The play can be read and acted out in small parts. Each character—Mrs Pearson, Mrs Fitzgerald, George, Doris, and Cyril—has strong dialogues that can be performed. The story is humorous and dramatic, so it is easy to present on stage. It could be enacted in a school programme, Mother’s Day celebration, or any family gathering. Acting the play will help students and audiences understand the message better. It will show how a mother’s role in the family is important and why respect is necessary. Enacting the play makes learning fun and meaningful for everyone.
5. Discuss in groups plays or films with a strong message of social reform that you have watched.
Ans: I have seen films and plays with strong messages of social reform. For example, films about women’s rights, education, or equal respect in the family. In many movies, mothers struggle but finally get recognition for their work. Plays like this one also give a strong message in a simple way. Discussing in groups helps us share examples—some may talk about films on girl education, others about respect for elders or family unity. These stories are powerful because they not only entertain but also inspire change. Social reform messages in drama or film stay in our hearts for long.
Exam Pattern-Based Questions Answers
Exam Pattern-Based Question Answers are made as per the latest CBSE rules to help students score higher. They include MCQs, short and long answers, and competency-based questions. These help students practice well and understand the exam format clearly.
Extract-Based Questions: Mother’s Day Questions Answers
One prose extract out of two, from the book Snapshots, to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference and appreciation. 4×1=4 Marks
Mother’s Day Questions Answers Set 1
1. Read the given extracts carefully and answer the following questions. (1X3=3marks)
MRS. PEARSON: [dubiously] I-keep dropping a hint…
MRS. FITZGERALD: Hint? It’s more than hints your family needs, Mrs. Pearson.
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’ll be home any minute and probably all in a hurry to go out again.
(i) In the given extract, whom does ‘them’ refer to?
Ans: ‘Them’ refers to Mrs Pearson’s husband George and her children Doris and Cyril.
(ii) Select the option that describes Mrs. Pearson in the extract.
(a) Dominating
(b) Submissive
(c) Short-tempered
(d) Illogical
(b) Submissive
(iii) Why was Mrs. Pearson so worried?
Ans: Mrs Pearson was worried because nothing was ready in the house, and her husband and children would be home any minute and in a hurry to go out again.
(iv) In what endeavour does Mrs. Fitzgerald help Mrs. Pearson?
Ans: Mrs Fitzgerald helps Mrs Pearson by giving her advice and later exchanging personalities with her so that the family learns to respect and value her.
Mother’s Day Questions Answers Set 2
2. Read the given extracts carefully and answer the following questions. (1X3=3marks)
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 out East, of course, where they’re up to all these tricks. [She holds her hand out across the table, keeping the cigarette in her mouth] Gimme your hands, dear.
(i) How do Mrs. Fitzgerald and Mrs. Pearson know each other?
Ans: Mrs. Fitzgerald is Mrs. Pearson’s neighbour and friend.
(ii) Complete the following suitably.
The question-‘How do you know?’ refers to
Ans: The question — ‘How do you know?’ refers to Mrs. Pearson asking Mrs. Fitzgerald about trying a supernatural trick of exchanging personalities.
(iii) What does the above extract tell us about Mrs. Fitzgerald?
(a) She hates Mr. Pearson.
(b) She is wild and bold.
(c) She wants Mrs. Pearson to become bold.
(d) She is great friend.
Ans: (c) She wants Mrs. Pearson to become bold.
(iv) How does Mrs. Fitzgerald plan to help Mrs. Pearson enter the world of supernatural?
Ans: Mrs. Fitzgerald plans to hold Mrs. Pearson’s hands and use an ‘East’ trick to exchange personalities for some time.
Mother’s Day Questions Answers Set 3
3. Read the given extracts carefully and answer the following questions. (1X3=3marks)
CYRIL: [moving to the table; annoyed] Why not?
MRS. PEARSON: [coolly] 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: Just a change.
CYRIL: [briskly] Well, snap out of it, Ma-and get cracking. Haven’t too much time.
(i) It can be said about Cyril from the given lines that ……………..
Ans: Cyril is annoyed, aggressive, and expects his mother to serve him without question.
(ii) According to Mrs. Pearson, where had Cyril been wasting his time and money?
Ans: Mrs. Pearson says Cyril wastes his time and money on greyhound races and spending at the pub.
(iii) Why does Cyril act aggressively?
(a) Because his mother insulted him.
(b) Because his mother had not made tea for him.
(c) Because he was getting late.
(d) Because his mother was behaving strangely.
Ans: (b) Because his mother had not made tea for him.
(iv) What is the ‘change’ as referred to in the extract?
Ans: The ‘change’ refers to Mrs. Pearson’s new bold behaviour where she refuses to bother about serving and stops acting submissive.
Mother’s Day Questions Answers Set 4
4. Read the given extracts carefully and answer the following questions. (1X3=3marks)
George: [astonished] You mean you didn’t get any ready?
Mrs Pearson: Yes. And a good thing, too, as it’s turned out.
George: [aggrieved] That’s all very well, but suppose I’d wanted some?
Mrs Pearson: My goodness! Listen to the man! Annoyed because I don’t get a tea for him that he doesn’t even want.
(i) Why was George surprised?
Ans: George was surprised because his wife had not prepared tea for him, which she usually did.
(ii) What excuse did George give to defend himself?
Ans: George said that even though he didn’t want tea that day, his wife should have made it in case he wanted some.
(iii) Which quality of George’s character is revealed here?
(a) Self-reliant
(b) Caring
(c) Dependent and pompous
(d) Humble
Ans: (c) Dependent and pompous
Mother’s Day Questions Answers Set 5
5. Read the given extracts carefully and answer the following questions. (1X3=3marks)
Mrs Pearson: [severely] I wouldn’t say that if I were you, Cyril.
Cyril: [aggressively] Why not?
Mrs Pearson: Because the fact is your father’s right. You’re both spoilt. You expect too much and never do a stroke of work.
(i) Why does Cyril ask “Why not?”
Ans: Cyril asks “Why not?” because he is surprised at his mother’s severe tone and wants to know the reason.
(ii) What truth does Mrs Pearson reveal about Doris and Cyril?
(a) They are hardworking and kind
(b) They are careless but respectful
(c) They are spoilt and lazy
(d) They are generous and loving
Ans: (c) They are spoilt and lazy
(iii) What change in Mrs Pearson’s behaviour is seen here?
Ans: Mrs Pearson is no longer submissive but boldly criticises her children for being selfish and irresponsible.
Short Answer Type Questions: The Address Questions Answers
One Short answer type question, from the book Snapshots, to be answered in 40- 50 words. Questions should elicit inferential responses through critical thinking. One out of two questions to be done. 3×1=3 Marks
1. Explain how Mrs. Fitzgerald utilised her husband’s posting in the East.
Ans: Mrs. Fitzgerald’s husband was posted in the East for twelve years. During this time, she learned fortune-telling and magic spells. She even learned how to exchange personalities through magic. Later, she used this power to help Mrs. Annie Pearson by exchanging their personalities. This helped her handle Annie’s problem with her family and make them realise her true worth.
2. Assess the advice given by Mrs. Fitzgerald to Annie.
Ans: Mrs. Fitzgerald advised Annie to be bold and teach her family a lesson. She wanted Annie’s family to respect her and not treat her like a servant. According to her, Annie should stop being soft and assert herself as an important member of the house. Only then would her husband and children realise her value and treat her with love and respect.
3. Annie was responsible for her own fate. Explain.
Ans: Annie was indeed responsible for her own fate. She was loving, caring, and soft by nature. Her husband and children took her for granted and never valued her work. Annie wished to correct them but was afraid of hurting their feelings. Because of her silence, they grew careless and rude towards her. Hence, her soft attitude made her suffer in her own home.
4. Explain the process of Mrs. Annie Pearson and Mrs. Fitzgerald exchanging their personalities.
Ans: The process of exchanging personalities was simple. Mrs. Fitzgerald knew the magic. She held Annie’s hand and spoke some special words. At once, their personalities got exchanged. Mrs. Fitzgerald’s strong personality entered Annie’s body, and Annie’s soft personality went into Mrs. Fitzgerald. This magic helped Annie’s family face the strict side of their mother and realise how badly they had been treating her.
5. Identify the first person to face Annie’s ire.
Ans: Doris, Annie’s daughter, was the first person to face her ire. Doris returned home and asked about her yellow dress. Annie, with Mrs. Fitzgerald’s personality, ignored her. Doris then asked for tea, but Annie told her to make it herself. Annie also made fun of her boyfriend, Charlie Spence. Shocked by her mother’s rude words, Doris felt hurt and began crying.
6. Explain why Mrs. Annie Pearson (with Mrs. Fitzgerald’s personality) did not like Doris going out with Charlie.
Ans: Annie, with Mrs. Fitzgerald’s personality, did not approve of Charlie Spence. She said he was not smart, his teeth projected, and he was not intelligent. On the other hand, Doris was pretty and intelligent. Annie felt Doris deserved a better man than Charlie Spence. She suggested Doris should not waste her time with him and instead find someone more decent and respectable.
7. What is Cyril’s reaction to Mrs. Pearson’s changed attitude, and what does this indicate about their relationship?
Ans: Cyril was shocked and confused by his mother’s sudden change. He argued with her and felt upset at her strict tone. This showed that he was not used to her being firm. Their relationship was earlier based on him taking her for granted. Her assertive behaviour surprised him and made him realise that his mother would no longer quietly accept disrespect.
8. Explain how Mrs. Annie Pearson disciplines her children.
Ans: When Annie found her children giggling, she scolded them sternly. She told them to stop behaving like silly children and behave according to their age. She also demanded to know what made them laugh. Though she understood that her unusual behaviour was the reason, she maintained her authority. Her stern attitude disciplined her children and made them realise their mother’s seriousness.
9. Doris and Cyril’s behaviour with their mother was extremely rude and unheard of. Do you agree?
Ans: Yes, Doris and Cyril behaved very rudely with their mother. They ordered her about tea and ironing clothes as if she was their servant. Their words “Is tea ready?” and “You are going to iron it for me” were harsh and selfish. Such rude behaviour towards a mother is not common. It showed that they were spoiled, self-centred, and disrespectful children.
10. Describe Annie’s plans for weekends in future as informed to her children.
Ans: Annie told her children that she would also work only for eight hours daily. Like them, she too would take two days off every week on Saturday and Sunday. On these days, she would do little work. Even that would depend on how she was treated and requested. This plan clearly showed her decision to demand equal rest and respect from her family.
11. George was angry that there was no tea even though he didn’t want any. What does this reflect about his character and Annie’s character?
Ans: George’s anger shows he was egoistic and self-centred. He wanted his wife to serve him even if he did not need tea. He expected obedience. Annie, however, changed from a submissive wife to a bold woman. She refused to be undervalued and demanded respect. This contrast revealed George’s false pride and Annie’s growing strength in asserting her needs and dignity at home.
12. How does George react to Doris’s emotional state, and what does this reveal about his character?
Ans: George was confused when he saw Doris crying. He felt concerned but did not know how to console her. This reaction showed he was not emotionally sensitive. He disliked changes in the house and preferred stability. His bewilderment also revealed that he was detached from his family’s feelings. He never really understood their emotions, which exposed his weakness as a father and husband.
13. What is George’s attitude toward Mrs. Pearson drinking stout, and what does this signify about her changing behaviour?
Ans: George was surprised and disapproving when he saw Annie drinking stout in the daytime. For him, such behaviour was unusual and improper. This reaction showed that Annie was breaking traditional roles. She asserted her independence and freedom, which unsettled George. It also signified that Annie no longer wished to remain submissive but instead wanted equality and respect in her own household.
14. How does Mrs. Pearson’s revelation about the club’s nickname for George impact him? How does it highlight Annie’s feelings?
Ans: Annie revealed that people at the club called George “Pompy-ompy Pearson.” This shocked and embarrassed him. He felt insulted and realised he was not respected. It hurt his pride deeply. For Annie, this truth showed her frustration with George’s false image in society. He behaved proudly outside but treated his family poorly. The revelation highlighted her demand for honesty and respect at home.
15. How does George’s attitude shift after learning the truth about his reputation at the club?
Ans: George was deeply hurt after knowing the truth about his club reputation. He felt ashamed and humiliated. This experience humbled him, and he became quiet and thoughtful. He realised that he was not respected as he imagined. It made him more open to listening to Annie and changing his ways. His pride broke, and he showed signs of becoming a better man at home.
16. Explain George’s astonishment when Mrs. Fitzgerald calls him “George.” How does Mrs. Annie Pearson (in reality Mrs. Fitzgerald) make fun of him?
Ans: George was surprised when Mrs. Fitzgerald called him by his first name. He thought neighbours should not address him so casually. But Mrs. Fitzgerald (actually Annie inside) mocked him. She reminded him that he was not a royal like the Duke of Edinburgh, but just George Pearson. This teasing hurt his pride and showed him that he was not as important as he believed.
17. Why does Mrs. Pearson insist that George address Mrs. Fitzgerald politely, and what does this reveal about her expectations?
Ans: Annie, with Mrs. Fitzgerald’s personality, insisted that George treat Mrs. Fitzgerald politely. She wanted him to use good manners and show respect. This revealed her expectation that every family member must behave decently with others. She was determined to stop rudeness and selfishness in the house. Her demand highlighted her new belief that respect and courtesy were essential in building a healthy household.
18. Give reasons why Mrs. Annie Pearson (in the body of Mrs. Fitzgerald) wants Mrs. Fitzgerald (in the body of Annie) to change back to their real personalities.
Ans: Annie wanted to return to her own body because she felt sorry for her family. She could not bear to see her husband and children suffering. As a loving and caring person, she did not want them to remain hurt. Though Mrs. Fitzgerald’s strict personality taught them a lesson, Annie’s soft heart did not allow her to continue with such harsh treatment for long.
19. Explain how the experience was different for both Mrs. Fitzgerald and Mrs. Annie Pearson after the changing of bodies.
Ans: For Mrs. Fitzgerald, the experience was enjoyable. She succeeded in correcting Annie’s family and making them respect her. It gave her satisfaction. But for Annie, the experience was painful. She could not tolerate her husband and children being treated so harshly. Their suffering made her unhappy. Thus, while Mrs. Fitzgerald found the change effective and useful, Annie found it uncomfortable and emotionally difficult.
20. What final advice does Mrs. Fitzgerald give Mrs. Pearson at the end of the play, and why is it significant?
Ans: Mrs. Fitzgerald advised Annie to keep a firm hand and not go soft on her family. This advice was significant because it ensured Annie would not lose her respect again. It reminded her that firmness was necessary to maintain discipline. If Annie remained strong, her family would continue to treat her properly. The advice highlighted the importance of balance between love and authority in family life.
21. Annie’s family exhibited some changes in the end. Describe them.
Ans: In the end, Annie’s family softened towards her. Doris, Cyril, and George stopped behaving rudely. They agreed to stay at home with her instead of going out. They also accepted her words without argument. This change showed that they had realised their mistakes. Annie’s smile and kind nature made them respond positively. The family decided to spend more time together with love and respect.
22. How does the family react to Mrs. Pearson’s newfound assertiveness, and what does this indicate about their previous dynamic?
Ans: The family reacted with shock and uneasiness at Annie’s assertiveness. They were not used to her strong and bold behaviour. This reaction indicated that earlier they took her for granted and never respected her. Her sudden change forced them to rethink their actions. It showed that their old dynamic was unfair, and now they had to accept Annie’s rightful place and importance in the house.
23. How does the conversation between Mrs. Pearson and Mrs. Fitzgerald after the family leaves highlight the play’s central theme?
Ans: After the family left, Annie and Mrs. Fitzgerald discussed firmness in family matters. The talk highlighted the play’s central theme—that mothers are often underappreciated. Annie had been treated like a servant, but firmness helped her gain respect. The conversation stressed the importance of balance in family life. Love should remain, but authority is also necessary to maintain harmony and proper respect at home.
24. How does Doris’s response to Mrs. Pearson’s critique of Charlie Spence reflect her relationship with her mother?
Ans: Doris reacted defensively when Annie criticised Charlie Spence. She felt her mother was being unfair. This response reflected tension in their relationship. Doris often felt misunderstood and criticised. There was a gap between them in terms of trust and communication. Her defensive tone showed that she was not ready to accept her mother’s advice easily, which revealed a strained and difficult bond between them.
25. What does Mrs. Pearson’s final plan for the evening suggest about her intentions for the family’s future interactions?
Ans: Annie planned a family evening of rummy and supper preparation together. This plan suggested her intention to build unity in the family. She wanted everyone to share responsibilities and enjoy time together. By involving her children and husband, she aimed to reduce selfishness and increase cooperation. Her plan revealed her hope for a happier and more balanced family life filled with love and respect.
26. How does the family’s apprehension at the end of the scene set the stage for future changes in their behaviour?
Ans: At the end, the family felt uneasy yet hopeful about Annie’s new behaviour. Their apprehension showed they were unsure how things would be in future. However, it also suggested they were ready to adapt. They realised they could no longer order her about. This set the stage for better family relations, as they were prepared to change their behaviour and respect her authority.
Long Answer Type Questions: The Address Questions Answers
One Long answer type question, based on the chapters from the book Snapshots, to be answered in 120-150 words, to assess global comprehension and extrapolation beyond the text. Questions to provide analytical and evaluative responses, using incidents, events, themes, as reference points. Any one out of two questions to be done. 1×6=6 Marks
1. Mother is the axis around whom the family revolves. Mother should always be respected. Elaborate.
Ans. A mother sacrifices her entire life for her family. She holds the family together with her love, care, and guidance. She listens patiently, solves problems, and gives constant support. Unfortunately, her efforts are often ignored, and many children fail to realise her importance. They do not value her sacrifices and treat her as if she is only meant to serve them. In the play Mother’s Day, Annie Pearson’s family takes her for granted. They order her about and consider themselves superior. They never show gratitude for her hard work. However, with the help of Mrs. Fitzgerald, Annie makes them realise their mistakes. They begin to understand that she deserves love and respect. The play conveys that mothers should not be undervalued. They form the backbone of families, and without them, family life cannot function smoothly. Hence, every child and family member must value, respect, and care for their mother.
2. The play Mother’s Day is a humorous and satirical depiction of the status of the mother in the family. Express your relationship with your mother.
Ans. The play Mother’s Day shows the status of a mother in a family through humour and satire. Mrs. Annie Pearson is presented as a caring mother, but her family members treat her casually and without respect. With Mrs. Fitzgerald’s help, her children and husband learn to value her. The use of magic, personality exchange, and the family’s shocked reactions create humour while pointing to a serious issue—housewives being taken for granted. The play makes us realise how important a mother is. My own relationship with my mother is very close and friendly. We share a bond like friends and enjoy each other’s company. I also try to help her in daily work like cooking or other household chores. I know my mother works hard the entire day for our happiness. I really respect her selfless efforts. She gives without asking for anything in return. I admire her deeply and always regard her with love and respect.
3. Imagine a conversation between Mrs. S. from The Address (before her death) and Mrs. Annie Pearson about the challenges faced by each of them in their families.
Ans.
Mrs. S: You take great care of your family. You must be really fond of them.
Mrs. Pearson: Yes, I am fond of them, but they were very selfish and thoughtless.
Mrs. S: Do they take you for granted?
Mrs. Pearson: They used to, but not anymore. With Mrs. Fitzgerald’s help, they learned to respect me.
Mrs. S: That is very good. Congratulations.
Mrs. Pearson: Thank you. I am sorry to hear about your struggles during the war.
Mrs. S: Yes, it has been very challenging. I only hope to save some of our nicest things.
Mrs. Pearson: How will that be possible?
Mrs. S: Mrs. Dorling has agreed to keep them safe. She has taken many of our possessions for protection.
Mrs. Pearson: I see. Is she related to you?
Mrs. S: No, just an old acquaintance. She reappeared suddenly and offered help.
Mrs. Pearson: Then she has been helpful to you, just as Mrs. Fitzgerald has been to me.
Mrs. S: Yes, indeed.
4. How does the dynamic between Mrs. Pearson and her children, Doris and Cyril, change by the end of the play?
Ans. At the beginning, Doris and Cyril treat their mother badly. They order her to iron clothes, prepare tea, and take care of everything. They behave as if she is their servant, showing no gratitude or respect. After the personality swap, Mrs. Fitzgerald, in Annie’s body, confronts them. She speaks sternly, ridicules their demands, and exposes their selfishness. Doris is shocked when her mother criticises her boyfriend, while Cyril is scolded for being careless and disrespectful. Both children are surprised and confused by this sudden change. Slowly, they begin to understand her authority and realise their mistakes. They stop laughing at her and start taking her seriously. By the end of the play, they agree to stay home with their mother instead of going out. The change shows that they begin to respect Annie and accept her as the central figure in the family. Thus, the dynamic shifts from disrespect to obedience and appreciation.
5. How do Doris and Cyril’s responses to Mrs. Pearson’s assertiveness differ, and what does this indicate about their characters?
Ans.. Doris and Cyril react differently to Mrs. Pearson’s assertiveness. Doris is bold and outspoken. She talks back, becomes angry, and even cries when her mother criticises her boyfriend, Charlie Spence. Her behaviour shows she is rebellious, impatient, and quick-tempered. She openly resists authority. Cyril, on the other hand, is less vocal. He feels embarrassed and sulky when his mother scolds him. Though he does not fight back as strongly as Doris, he clearly dislikes the criticism. Cyril’s nature shows that he is sensitive and avoids direct conflict, but he also takes his mother for granted. These contrasting reactions highlight their personalities. Doris is defiant and argumentative, while Cyril is quieter but equally careless. Both of them, however, reveal selfishness and disrespect before the personality swap. The difference in their responses shows the variety of challenges mothers face with their children and underlines the need for discipline and firmness in family relationships.
6. How does Mrs. Fitzgerald react to the changes in the Pearson household, and what does this suggest about her role in the play?
Ans. Mrs. Fitzgerald reacts with pride and satisfaction to the changes in the Pearson household. She was the one who advised Annie to be firm and carried out the personality swap. Through her strong personality, she corrected the rude behaviour of Doris, Cyril, and George. She made them realise their mistakes and taught them to respect Annie. Watching the family’s reaction, Mrs. Fitzgerald feels her plan has succeeded. She insists that Annie must remain firm and not become soft again. This shows that Mrs. Fitzgerald is more than just a neighbour—she is a guiding force and catalyst for change. Her role in the play is significant because she helps Annie transform from a submissive homemaker into a respected figure in her family. She brings about discipline and harmony. Thus, Mrs. Fitzgerald is the agent of transformation in the play, ensuring that Annie gains the dignity she deserves in her household.
7. Mrs. Pearson undergoes a significant transformation from a submissive and apologetic figure to polite assertiveness influenced by the personality swap with Mrs. Fitzgerald. Comment.
Ans.Mrs. Annie Pearson is introduced as a kind and gentle housewife in her forties. She has a pleasant personality and speaks in a soft suburban voice. She is loving and caring, but her family does not value her. Doris, Cyril, and George treat her like a servant. She is submissive, avoids conflict, and never asserts her rights. Through Mrs. Fitzgerald’s magic, her personality is temporarily swapped. Under Mrs. Fitzgerald’s strong influence, Annie begins to change. She learns to be assertive without being rude. She refuses to accept disrespect and demands equal treatment. She tells her children to behave according to their age and even criticises Doris’s boyfriend and Cyril’s laziness. She also challenges George’s ego and reveals the truth about his reputation at the club. Gradually, the family realises her worth. This transformation shows the importance of self-respect and balance in family life. Annie emerges as a strong mother, combining love with authority.
