Important Questions for Class 11 Mother’s Day Chapter 3 Snapshots
Summary of Class 11 English Chapter 3 Mother’s Day
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Table of Contents
Stanza
Question 1:
Answer the questions:
Mrs Pearson: [dubiously] I-keep dropping a hint…
Mrs Fitzgerald: Hint? It’s more than hints your family needs, Mrs Pearson.
Mrs Pearson: [dubiously] I suppose it is. But I do hate any unpleasantness. And it’s so hard to know where to start. I keep making up my mind to have it out with them but somehow I don’t know how to begin. [She glances at her watch or at a clock] Oh — good gracious! Look at the time. Nothing ready and they’ll be home any minute and probably all in a hurry to go out again. [As she is about to rise, Mrs Fitzgerald reaches out across the table and pulls her down.]
Mrs Fitzgerald: Let ’em wait or look after themselves for once. This is where your foot goes down. Start now. [She lights a cigarette from the one she has just finished.]
(i) What does Mrs. Pearson mean by “keep dropping a hint”? (1)
(a) She is subtly trying to express her feelings
(b) She is leaving hints about an upcoming surprise
(c) She is hinting about Mrs. Fitzgerald’s fortune-telling
(d) She is practicing magic spells
Answer
(a) She is subtly trying to express her feelings
(ii) What does Mrs. Fitzgerald imply by saying “It’s more than hints your family needs”?
(a) The family needs clear instructions
(b) The family needs a strong lesson in behaviour
(c) The family needs a hint about Mrs. Pearson’s cooking
(d) The family needs help with chores
Answer
(b) The family needs a strong lesson in behaviour
(iii) This exchange primarily highlights which theme of the play?
(a) The importance of magic
(b) The need for assertiveness in family relationships
(c) The value of hints over direct action
(d) The role of neighbours in domestic disputes
Answer
(b) The need for assertiveness in family relationships
(iv) What does Mrs. Fitzgerald imply by saying “This is where your foot goes down”?
Answer
She means that Mrs. Pearson must take a firm stand, assert her authority, and stop letting her family take her for granted.
Question 2:
Doris: (anxiously) Yes, Mother?
Mrs Pearson: (smiling) Seeing that you don’t want to go out, I tell you what I thought we’d do.
Mrs Fitzgerald: (giving a final warning) Remember!
Mrs Pearson: (nodding, then looking sharply at the family) No objections, I hope?
George: (humbly) No, Mother—whatever you say…
Mrs Pearson: (smiling) I thought we’d have a nice family game of rummy and then you children could get the supper ready while I have a talk with your father…
George: (firmly) Suits me. (He looks challengingly at the children.) What about you two?
(i) What activity does Mrs Pearson suggest to the family?
(a) Going out for dinner
(b) Watching a movie
(c) Going shopping
(d) Playing a game of rummy
Answer
(d) Playing a game of rummy
(ii) How does George respond to Mrs Pearson’s suggestion?
(a) He refuses
(b) He ignores it
(c) He agrees firmly
(d) He agrees humbly
Answer
(c) He agrees firmly
(iii) What is Mrs Fitzgerald’s role in this part of the scene?
(a) She encourages Doris
(b) She warns Mrs Pearson
(c) She supports the children
(d) She stays silent
Answer
(b) She warns Mrs Pearson
(iv) How does Mrs Pearson react to Mrs Fitzgerald’s warning?
(a) She ignores it
(b) She gets nervous
(c) She nods and takes control
(d) She becomes emotional
Answer
(c) She nods and takes control
Important Questions for Class 11 Mother’s Day Chapter 3 Snapshots
Short-Questions (40-50 words)
Question 1:
What problems were faced by Mrs Pearson in the lesson “Mother’s Day”? Who was responsible for it?
Answer
Mrs Pearson faced the problem of being taken for granted and treated disrespectfully by her husband and children, who were selfish and insensitive to her feelings. They ignored her efforts and expected her to serve them constantly. Her family members were mainly responsible for her suffering.
Question 2:
What change is seen in the family by the end of the play? (Mother’s Day)
Answer
By the end of the play, the Pearson family shows a clear change in attitude. George, Doris, and Cyril become more respectful, caring, and considerate towards Mrs Pearson. They realise her importance in the family and promise to value her feelings instead of taking her for granted.
Question 3:
How did Mrs. Fitzgerald teach Doris a lesson in good behaviour?
Answer:
Mrs. Fitzgerald, after exchanging personalities with Mrs. Pearson, behaved rudely with Doris. She made Doris realize how hurtful her behavior was. This role reversal taught Doris to respect her mother and behave politely at home.
Question 4:
How does Mrs. Pearson’s transformation impact her family in ‘Mother’s Day’?
Answer:
Mrs. Pearson’s transformation shocks her family and makes them realize how badly they treated her. Her assertive behavior forces them to respect her feelings and efforts. As a result, the family begins to value her and promise better treatment.
Important Questions for Class 11 Mother’s Day Chapter 3 Snapshots
Long-Questions (120-150 words)
Question 1:
Mother’s Day is to be celebrated on all days. Do you agree? How would you show your gratitude to your mother and give her the position she deserves in the family? Express your thoughts in about 120–150 words with reference to the lesson “Mother’s Day”.
Answer
Yes, I strongly agree that Mother’s Day should be celebrated every day. In the lesson “Mother’s Day”, Mrs Pearson is taken for granted by her family, who fail to appreciate her constant care and sacrifices. Only when her role is reversed do they realise her true value. This shows how easily a mother’s love and hard work are ignored in daily life.
I would show my gratitude to my mother by respecting her opinions, helping her with household work, and acknowledging her efforts openly. Giving her time, listening to her, and sharing responsibilities would make her feel valued. Like Mrs Pearson deserved dignity and love, every mother deserves appreciation not just on one special day, but every day. Treating her with care and respect is the best way to honour her place in the family.
Question 2:
Imagine you are Doris, the daughter of Mrs. Pearson. After the events of that unusual day when your mother swapped personalities with Mrs. Fitzgerald, you feel guilty and changed. Write a letter to your cousin sharing the incident, how it affected you, and what you learned from it. (Mother’s Day)
Answer
Dear Cousin,
I just have to tell you about the strangest and most eye-opening day we had at home. Something unbelievable happened—Mother seemed to change completely. She became firm, confident, and no longer tolerated our selfish behaviour. At first, I was shocked and even scared, but soon I realised how poorly we had been treating her all along.
That day made me feel deeply guilty. I saw how we took her love and hard work for granted, never caring about her feelings. Watching her assert herself made me understand her importance in our lives. It wasn’t really Mother who changed—it was us who needed to.
I’ve learned that respect and gratitude should be shown every day, not forced by fear or unusual events. I truly want to be a better daughter now.
With love,
Doris
Question 3:
Was Mrs. Fitzgerald able to get Mrs. Pearson her self-respect? What would you have done to help Mrs. Pearson? Express your thoughts in about 120–150 words. (Mother’s Day)
Answer:
Yes, Mrs. Fitzgerald was successful in helping Mrs. Pearson regain her self-respect. By exchanging personalities with her, Mrs. Fitzgerald made Mrs. Pearson realize how her family took her for granted. When Mrs. Pearson started asserting herself, her family members were shocked and began to understand her value. This helped Mrs. Pearson gain confidence and self-respect. If I were in Mrs. Fitzgerald’s place, I would have encouraged Mrs. Pearson to express her feelings openly and taught her to set boundaries. I would also advise her family to appreciate her efforts and share responsibilities. Respect, communication, and understanding are essential for maintaining dignity within a family.
Question 4:
Imagine yourself as Mrs. Pearson from ‘Mother’s Day’ by J. B. Priestley. You have understood how important self-love is and you deserve respect and love from your family. You are invited as a motivational speaker in a talk show. Prepare a speech on “Significance of Self Love and Self Respect”.
Answer:
Good morning everyone. I am Mrs. Pearson, and today I want to speak about the significance of self-love and self-respect. For many years, I devoted my life to my family, believing that sacrifice alone defines love. However, I realized that when we neglect ourselves, others begin to take us for granted. Self-love does not mean selfishness; it means valuing our own dignity and emotions. Self-respect gives us the courage to speak up, set boundaries, and demand fair treatment. When we respect ourselves, we teach others how to respect us. A happy family is built not on silent suffering but on mutual understanding and appreciation. Every individual, especially mothers, deserves love, care, and recognition. Let us begin by respecting ourselves to create a healthier and happier society. Thank you.
Important Questions for Class 11 Mother’s Day Chapter 3 Snapshots

