mother's day

About The Author

J. B. Priestley, (born Sept. 13, 1894 Bradford, Yorkshire, Eng.—died Aug. 14, 1984, Alveston,
Warwickshire), British novelist, playwright, and essayist, noted for his varied output and his
ability for shrewd characterization. Priestley served in the infantry in World War I (1914–19)
and then studied English literature at Trinity College, Cambridge (B.A., 1922). He thereafter
worked as a journalist and first established a reputation with the essays collected in The English
Comic Characters (1925) and The English Novel (1927). A revival of interest in and a reappraisal
of Priestley’s work occurred in the 1970s. During that decade he produced, among other
works, Found, Lost, Found, or The English Way of Life (1976).

Theme

The theme of the play is the status of women in their own household. The housewife serves the members of her family with
complete devotion, sincerity and love. However, she is never given the regard, attention or thanks due to her. Her leniency
and eagerness to please everyone reduces her to the rank of an unpaid domestic servant in her own house. Instead of
being politely requested for a favour, she is ordered to do it. She gets no thanks in return.
The theme is worked out by portrayal of the Pearson family. Mrs Pearson is the harassed mother. Her daughter Doris, son
Cyril and husband George take her services for granted and have become thoughtless and selfish. The interchange of
personalities and the harsh treatment meted out to them by the personality of Mrs Fitzgerald (in the body of Mrs Pearson)
reforms them and they obey the mother willingly.

Message
Mothers do always take care of their children and husband without expecting anything in return.
But taking mothers for granted is not at all a respectful thing to do.
Children and husband must have respect for their mother and wife respectively.
A woman should also teach her husband and children to value her with respect.