J.B. Priestley raises certain important issues particularly related to the mothers in his famous one-act play ‘Mother’s Day’. Mrs Pearson is a typical mother. She runs after her husband and children all the time. She takes their orders as if she were their servant. She has to stay at home every night, while they go out enjoying themselves. It is ruining her as well as her family. The important issue raised is that sons, daughters and husbands should take notice of their mothers and wives.

Poor wives try to come out of this miserable situation. But they can’t muster enough courage. Poor Mrs Pearson doesn’t know how to deal with them either. Doris has to go out tonight. She has to iron her yellow shirt. She gets angry with her mother when she doesn’t do it. Cyril is angry because his mother doesn’t serve him tea. The poor mother has to put in twice the hours and gets no wages nor thanks for it. Mothers in the families are the most exploited lot. Drinking, smoking and playing cards are the luxuries that such women can’t enjoy. When Mrs Pearson tries to enjoy such luxuries, she is considered ‘off colour’ or ‘barmy’.

Women must assert themselves in their families. They must make their husbands and children learn to help themselves.