Mother’s Day Class 11 Important Questions with Answers PDF download
FAQs on CBSE Important Questions for Class 11 English Snapshots Mother’s Day - 2025-26
1. What are some important short-answer questions from the play 'Mother's Day' that students should prepare for the 2025-26 exams?
For the CBSE Class 11 English exam, students should focus on questions that test the understanding of characters and key plot points. Important short-answer questions include:
- Why was Mrs. Pearson unhappy with her family at the beginning of the play?
- Describe the contrasting personality of Mrs. Fitzgerald.
- How did Doris and Cyril react to their mother's sudden change in behaviour?
- What was George Pearson's reaction to finding his wife smoking and drinking?
2. How does J.B. Priestley use humour and satire in 'Mother's Day' to address a serious issue?
J.B. Priestley masterfully uses humour and satire to highlight the serious theme of a mother's unappreciated and overworked position in a family. The humour arises from the absurd situation of a personality swap and the subsequent bold and shocking behaviour from the usually timid Mrs. Pearson. The satire is aimed at the self-centred attitudes of her husband and children, whose bewildered reactions expose their inconsiderate nature, prompting the audience to reflect on a deeper social issue.
3. Contrast the characters of Mrs. Pearson and Mrs. Fitzgerald, as this is a frequently asked question.
Mrs. Annie Pearson and Mrs. Fitzgerald are presented as character foils, whose differences drive the entire plot:
- Mrs. Pearson: She is depicted as a pleasant but timid, worried, and submissive woman. She loves her family dearly but lacks the courage to stand up for herself, which has led to her being taken for granted.
- Mrs. Fitzgerald: In contrast, she is a strong, assertive, and domineering personality. She is practical and knows how to command respect, making her the perfect catalyst to teach the Pearson family a lesson.
4. What is the central message that is expected to be understood from the play 'Mother's Day'?
The central message of 'Mother's Day' is the critical importance of appreciating and respecting the role of a mother in a family. The play argues that mothers are not unpaid domestic workers but equal members of the family who deserve love, consideration, and their own leisure time. It strongly advocates for mothers to assert their rights and for family members to acknowledge their tireless contributions.
5. Why was a drastic measure like a personality swap necessary to bring about change in the Pearson family?
A drastic measure was necessary because the Pearson family was completely oblivious to their own selfishness. Mrs. Pearson's gentle and non-confrontational nature meant that simple requests or subtle hints would have been ignored. They had become so accustomed to her subservience that only a sudden and severe shock to their routine could make them notice her value. Mrs. Fitzgerald's bold and assertive personality provided this shock, forcing the family to confront their behaviour.
6. How do the reactions of Doris, Cyril, and George to the 'new' Mrs. Pearson reveal the core problem in their household?
Their reactions are very revealing. Doris and Cyril show outrage and entitlement when their trivial demands are not met, proving they see their mother as a service provider rather than a person with her own needs. George's pomposity is wounded when his wife criticises his friends and his status at the club, showing he expects an ego-boosting, submissive wife. Their collective shock and indignation highlight the central problem: a deep-rooted lack of respect and appreciation for Mrs. Pearson as an individual.
7. What is the symbolic importance of the family playing a game of rummy at the end of the play?
The final scene with the game of rummy is highly symbolic. It represents a fundamental shift in the family's dynamic. Previously, family members would pursue their own interests, leaving Mrs. Pearson to her chores. The game signifies unity, shared leisure, and togetherness. It shows the family finally treating Mrs. Pearson as a companion and a central figure in their family life, rather than just a caregiver who works in the background.
8. Could the positive change in the Pearson family be permanent? Justify your answer based on the play's conclusion.
The play offers a hopeful but realistic conclusion. The change can be permanent, but it depends entirely on Mrs. Pearson's ability to maintain her newfound firmness. The family has been genuinely shaken and appears ready to change. However, Mrs. Fitzgerald's final warning to Mrs. Pearson to not 'go soft' on them again is crucial. The permanence of the change relies on Mrs. Pearson establishing a consistent balance of love and assertiveness, ensuring her family does not slip back into their old, thoughtless ways.
