Snapshots Chapter 5 – Mother’s Day

Who is the central character of the play?
Mrs. Annie Pearson, a gentle and overworked housewife who is taken for granted by her husband and children.

What is the theme of the play?
Empowerment of women, especially mothers, and the need for respect, equality, and appreciation in the household.

Who is Mrs. Fitzgerald?
A strong-willed, assertive neighbor who helps Mrs. Pearson stand up for herself by swapping bodies through magic.

What problem does Mrs. Pearson face?
Her family doesn’t value her. They expect her to serve them tirelessly but show no gratitude or respect.

What plan does Mrs. Fitzgerald suggest?
To switch personalities using a magical spell so she can deal with the family firmly while in Mrs. Pearson’s body.

Why does Mrs. Pearson agree to the switch?
She lacks confidence to confront her family directly and trusts Mrs. Fitzgerald’s bold approach to fix the situation.

What change occurs after the switch?
Mrs. Pearson (with Fitzgerald’s personality) becomes assertive, refuses to do chores, and shocks her family with her new bold attitude.

How does Doris react to her mother’s behavior?
She is shocked and hurt when her mother criticizes her for being selfish and refuses to iron her dress.

What is Cyril’s reaction?
Cyril is confused and angry when his mother doesn’t make tea and calls out his laziness and arrogance.

How does Mr. George Pearson respond?
He is stunned when his wife mocks him, tells him he’s boring at the club, and refuses to serve him dinner.

What is the main conflict in the play?
The lack of respect shown by the family to Mrs. Pearson, and her passive acceptance of this mistreatment.

How is humor used in the play?
Through role-reversal, sarcasm, and exaggerated reactions, making the serious message entertaining and relatable.

What does Mrs. Fitzgerald represent?
Strength, confidence, and female empowerment. She symbolizes the voice women must adopt to demand dignity.

What is the result of Mrs. Fitzgerald’s actions?
The family realizes their faults and begins to see Mrs. Pearson as more than just a housemaid.

What does the play say about housewives?
That they are often unappreciated and overburdened, but they deserve equal respect and rest like any other member.

What does Mrs. Pearson do differently after the switch?
She smokes, drinks stout, sits relaxed, and talks back—shocking her family out of their entitled comfort.

What is the family’s realization?
They finally understand how much they depend on Mrs. Pearson and how unfairly they’ve treated her.

How does the play end?
With the personalities switched back and the family beginning to treat Mrs. Pearson with more consideration and respect.

What is the tone of the play?
Light-hearted but critical. It uses wit to deliver a powerful social message about gender roles and family respect.

What role does magic play in the story?
Magic acts as a plot device to allow transformation and deliver the message effectively in an entertaining way.

Why is the title “Mother’s Day” ironic?
It’s not about celebration but about a mother demanding overdue respect, unlike typical Mother’s Day portrayals.

What lesson does Mrs. Pearson learn?
That she must assert herself and not let love become slavery. Respect is earned through strength.

What lesson does the family learn?
That a mother is not a servant, and taking her for granted can break the family’s harmony.

How is the structure of the play simple yet powerful?
With only two scenes and limited characters, it uses clever dialogue and role play to convey a deep message.

What is the significance of the switch-back at the end?
It shows that change begins from within, and Mrs. Pearson can now uphold her new dignity confidently.

What is the character contrast in the play?
Mrs. Pearson is soft and submissive, while Mrs. Fitzgerald is bold and commanding—each teaching the other strength and softness.

Why is the play effective for students?
It teaches life skills—standing up for oneself, respect in relationships, and questioning social norms—while being humorous and engaging.

What does the play suggest about emotional labor?
That mothers do invisible work, often without thanks, and deserve acknowledgment and shared responsibilities.

What age group is the family?
The children are grown-ups, yet immature in attitude. The husband is middle-aged, complacent, and unaware of household realities.

What is the key takeaway of the play?
Respect must be mutual in a family. Mothers deserve rest, love, and dignity—not just responsibilities and orders.