Mother’s Day Important Short and Long Question Class 11 Chapter-3 Book-Snapshots

Short Answer Questions:

1. What is the main theme of the play?

Answer:

The play highlights the lack of respect and appreciation for a mother’s efforts in the family. It emphasizes self-respect and the need to assert oneself.

2. Who is Mrs. Pearson?

Answer:

Mrs. Pearson is a loving but overworked housewife who is taken for granted by her family. She transforms into a confident woman after swapping personalities with Mrs. Fitzgerald.

3. Who is Mrs. Fitzgerald?

Answer:

Mrs. Fitzgerald is a strong and bold neighbor who encourages Mrs. Pearson to stand up for herself. She uses magic to swap personalities with Mrs. Pearson.

4. What change occurs in Mrs. Pearson’s personality?

Answer:

After swapping personalities, Mrs. Pearson becomes strict, confident, and refuses to serve her family without respect.

5. How does Doris react to her mother’s new behavior?

Answer:

Doris is shocked and upset when her mother refuses to iron her dress and criticizes her boyfriend, making her cry.

6. What does Mrs. Pearson reveal about George’s club friends?

Answer:

She tells George that his club friends mock him and call him "Pompy-ompy Pearson." This makes him realize the truth.

7. Why does Mrs. Fitzgerald insist on changing back?

Answer:

Mrs. Fitzgerald sees that the family is miserable and wants Mrs. Pearson to handle them in a firm but pleasant manner.

8. How does the family behave at the end of the play?

Answer:

They become more respectful toward Mrs. Pearson and agree to spend time with her, playing rummy and helping with supper.

Long Answer Questions:

1. Describe Mrs. Pearson’s character before and after the personality swap.

Answer:

Before the personality swap, Mrs. Pearson is a timid, overworked housewife who does everything for her family without complaining. She loves them but is taken for granted as they treat her like a servant.

After swapping personalities with Mrs. Fitzgerald, she becomes bold, confident, and refuses to be treated unfairly. She shocks her family by refusing to serve them and makes them realize their mistakes.

2. How does Mrs. Fitzgerald help Mrs. Pearson change her situation?

Answer:

Mrs. Fitzgerald, a strong and assertive woman, advises Mrs. Pearson to take control of her family. Since Mrs. Pearson lacks the courage to do it herself, Mrs. Fitzgerald uses magic to swap their personalities. As Mrs. Pearson (with Mrs. Fitzgerald’s personality) starts behaving strictly, her family is forced to respect her. This transformation teaches Mrs. Pearson how to assert herself.

3. Describe how each family member reacts to Mrs. Pearson’s changed behavior.

Answer:

Doris: She is shocked and upset when her mother refuses to iron her dress and criticizes her boyfriend, making her cry.

Cyril: He is surprised when his mother refuses to make tea or mend his clothes. He realizes that his mother has changed.

George: He is shocked to see Mrs. Pearson drinking stout and refusing to serve him tea. When he learns that his club friends make fun of him, he is deeply hurt but begins to understand his mistakes.

4. What message does the play convey about family and gender roles?

Answer:

The play emphasizes that a mother’s work should be valued and respected. It challenges traditional gender roles where women are expected to serve their families without recognition. It teaches that self-respect is important and that all family members should share responsibilities instead of burdening one person.

5. Explain the significance of the play’s ending.

Answer:

The ending is significant as it shows a positive change in the family’s behavior. After realizing their mistakes, they agree to stay home, play rummy, and help Mrs. Pearson with supper. This symbolizes a new beginning where Mrs. Pearson is no longer treated as a servant but as a respected member of the family.