Mother’s Day
J.B. Priestly
Q:
This play, written in the 1950’s, is a humorous and satirical depiction of the
status of the mother in the family.
i.
What are the issues it raises?
The raises
several important issues regarding the treatment of mothers within a family,
particularly in the context of traditional gender roles. The primary issues
include:
Lack of
Appreciation: The mother, Mrs. Pearson, is taken for granted by her family
members. They expect her to serve them without any recognition or appreciation
for her efforts.
Gender
Inequality: The play highlights the traditional gender roles where the mother
is expected to managed the household and cater to everyone’s needs, while her
own needs and desires are ignored.
Loss of Identity:
Mrs. Pearson’s identity is reduced to that of a caretaker, with little regard
for her as an individual with her own opinions, interests, and aspirations.
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?
The
play presents these issues in a way that is both humorous and exaggerated,
making them appear as a caricature. However, beneath the humour, the it raises
are very genuine. The dynamics within Mrs. Pearson’s family reflect real
societal attitudes towards women, particularly mothers, during the 1950s and
even today in some families.
The
resolves the issues through a role-reversal, where Mrs. Pearson, with the help
of her neighbour Mrs. Fitzgerald, asserts herself and demands respect from her
family. The resolution involves the family members realizing their mistakes and
vowing to treat Mrs. Pearson better in future.
While
the resolution is somewhat simplistic, it does convey the message that change
is possible when individuals stand up for themselves. However, whether this
resolution is entirely realistic is debatable. Genuine change often requires
more than just a single confrontation; it involves a deeper understanding and
transformation of attitudes over time.
Q:
If you were to write about these issues today what are some of the incidents,
examples and problems you would think of as relevant.
If
I were to write about these issues today, I would consider the following
incidents and problems as relevant:
Ø Work-life
Balance: Many mothers today struggle to balance their careers and household
responsibilities, often facing pressure to excel in both areas without adequate
support.
Ø Mental
Health: The mental health challenges faced by mothers, including stress,
anxiety, and depression, due to the overwhelming expectations placed on them.
Ø Societal
Expectations: The societal pressure on mothers to “perfect” in every aspect,
from parenting to maintaining a household, and the judgement they face if they
fall short.
Ø Equal
Parenting: The ongoing debate about the need for fathers to take on a more
active role in parenting and household chores, challenging the traditional
gender roles.
Q:
Is Drama a good medium for conveying a social message? Discuss.
Drama
is indeed a powerful medium for conveying a social message. It allows the
audience to engage with complex issues in a way that is both entertaining and
thought-provoking. Through characters and plot, Drama can highlight societal
problems, evoke empathy, and inspire change. The emotional impact of a
well-crafted play can leave a lasting impression, making the audience more
likely to reflect on the issues presented and consider their own views and
behaviours.
Additionally,
the use of humour, satire, and exaggeration in Drama can make serious issues
more accessible, allowing the audience to confront uncomfortable truths in a
less confrontational way.
Q:
Discuss in groups plays or films with a strong message of social reform that
you have watched.
Some
plays and films with a strong message of social reform include:
Ø “A
Doll’s House” by Henrik Ibsen: This play addresses the issues of gender
inequality and the oppressive roles forced upon women in patriarchal society.
Ø “To Kill
a Mockingbird” (Film based on the novel by Harper Lee): This film deals with racism
and the importance of moral integrity in the face of social injustice.
Ø “The
Great Dictator” by Charlie Chaplin: A satirical film that critiques authoritarianism
and the rise of fascism, promoting the values of democracy and freedom.
Ø “Death
of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller: This play critiques the American dream and the
pressure of capitalist society, highlighting the destructive impact on
individual identity and family relationships.
These
works have all had a significant impact on audience, promoting discussions and
reflections on important social issues.
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