Class 11 Lesson 3 NCERT English Mother’s Day Supplementary Reader Question and Answers.
1. This play, written in the 1950s, is a humorous and satirical depiction f 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 that it raises are geniue? How does the play resolve the issues? Do you agree with the resolution?
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?
3. Is drama a good medium for conveying a social message? Discuss.
4. Read the play out in parts. Enact the play on a suitable occasion.
5. Discuss in groups plays or films with a strong message of social reform that you have watched.
Answer the following questions.
(i) Issues Raised:
The play humorously highlights the role of the mother in the family, focusing on how she is taken for granted despite playing a vital role. The issues raised include gender inequality, domestic labor being undervalued, and the emotional and physical burden on mothers to maintain a household without much appreciation or support.
(ii) Caricature or Genuine Issues:
The play uses satire to exaggerate certain situations, but the underlying problems are genuine. The imbalance of power within the family structure, where the mother is expected to handle everything without recognition, reflects real societal issues. The resolution typically comes when the family realizes the mother’s worth, sometimes after she temporarily withdraws from her duties, forcing others to appreciate her contributions. Whether one agrees with the resolution depends on the recognition of shared responsibilities within a family, which is an essential step in addressing gender inequality at home.
2. Relevant Issues Today:
If writing about these issues today, incidents such as the struggle for work-life balance, the increasing role of women in the workforce, and the unfair distribution of household chores would be relevant. The expectation that women manage both professional and domestic responsibilities is still a problem. Examples could include instances of “invisible labor” performed by women, the mental load of managing a household, and social expectations that undervalue the emotional and physical efforts of mothers.
3. Is Drama a Good Medium for Conveying a Social Message?
Drama is a powerful medium for conveying social messages as it engages audiences emotionally and intellectually. Through characters, dialogues, and situations, dramas can highlight social issues in a relatable and impactful way. It allows viewers to reflect on their own lives and society, fostering empathy and awareness. The live and immediate nature of drama can create a shared experience that leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
4. Reading and Enacting the Play:
Reading the play out in parts allows participants to explore different perspectives of the characters. Enacting the play on a suitable occasion, such as Mother’s Day or International Women’s Day, could emphasize the relevance of the issues raised in the play and invite discussion about gender roles within families.
5. Plays/Films with a Strong Message of Social Reform:
Examples of plays or films with strong social reform messages could include works like “Mother India” (highlighting the resilience of women and the struggles of rural life), “A Doll’s House” by Henrik Ibsen (depicting women’s independence and rights), or recent films like “The Great Indian Kitchen” (showing the thankless labor women perform in patriarchal households). Discussing these can open conversations about the ongoing relevance of these issues and the effectiveness of media in driving social change.