APGT LANG. & COMP.

FEMINISM/SILENCED VOICES

“The Revolt of Mother” by Mary Wilkins Freeman (1891)

SHORT FILM ANALYSIS
CAST:
Mother, Sarah Penn
A good woman, mild and benevolent. While her face appears meek, her meekness is the
result of her own will, not the will of another.
Father, Adam Penn
Man of the house. Tall, able-bodied and stern.
Daughter, Nanny
About 16 years of age. Gentle and sweet, engaged to a teacher named George.
Son, Sammy
About 12 years of age. Obedient and quiet, and dutifully follows his Father’s example.
1. Pay close attention to the body language, facial expressions, and behaviors of Mother and Father
in the opening scene. Write observations below:

2. Remember what Thomas C. Foster says about meal scenes: “Writing a meal scene is so difficult,
and so inherently uninteresting, that there really needs to be a compelling reason to include on in a
story. And that reason has to do with how the characters are getting along. Or not getting along. To
put characters in this mundane, overused, fairly boring situation, something more has to be
happening than simply beef, forks, and goblets” (8-9).
Watch the meal scene closely. Answer the questions below, and add your own observations:
What is the atmosphere in the kitchen? How can you tell?

How would you describe this family’s dynamic? Justify.

3. When Mother finally approaches Father and tells him she is going to speak to him plainly. Note
the tone and persuasive techniques she uses. What are her many reasons for being unhappy with
Father’s decision to build a barn instead of a house? How would you describe her tone?

What is implied by Father’s responses of “I ain’t got nothin’ to say.”? What is implied about
why he wants to build a barn instead of the house he promised?

4. Why does the Reverend shows up to the house?

5. How is the last meal different from the first? Also, what is revealed about Mother and
Father’s closing conversation? ( what universal truth can you apply to this?)