Mother's Day

Lesson-5

Mother’s Day

By J.B. Priestly

Mother’s Day Introduction

J.B. Priestly's play depicts how a mother's efforts are dismissed by her family. It describes how her family members, who work eight-hour shifts every day, regard her despite the fact that she works all day and all week. They take her for granted despite everything she does for them. They make her feel obligated to provide for them while failing to recognise her efforts. It revolves around how her fortune teller friend Mrs Fitzgerald helps her earn the place and respect she deserves as the lady of the house.

Mother’s Day Summary

The play begins with a candid conversation between two friends at Mrs Pearson's house. Mrs Fitzgerald is telling Mrs Pearson her fortune and giving her advice on it. Mrs Pearson goes on and on about how her family members do not value her and do not appreciate anything she does for them. She is available to them 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and all they do is come in, throw orders at her, and leave without even saying thank you. Mrs Fitzgerald tells her to take her place as the woman of the house, but Mrs Pearson, being the sweet and innocent lady she is, does not want to cause any trouble for her family. She continues to handle their tantrums because she doesn't know where to begin disciplining them.

Mrs Fitzgerald proposes a plan in which their bodies are switched so that Mrs Fitzgerald can take her place without her family knowing. Mrs Pearson is initially hesitant, but Mrs Fitzgerald persuades her otherwise. Mrs Fitzgerald uses her magic, which she learned from the East, to change their personalities. Mrs Fitzgerald is now inhabiting Mrs Pearson's body and vice versa. Mrs Fitzgerald is now told by the new Mrs Pearson to go to her house for the time being. Doris Pearson, Mrs Pearson's daughter, enters the scene at this point in the play, asking for tea and instructing Mrs Pearson to iron her yellow silk. She is shocked to see her mother smoking, and the argument begins when Mrs Pearson insults Charlie Spence, the man she is about to date. Doris walks away, crying, and her brother, Cyril, enters, asking for tea and something to eat. He, too, is shocked by the fact that there is nothing to eat and no tea to drink when he returns home. When asked if anything is wrong, Mrs Pearson says she has never felt better. Cyril becomes irritated, and Doris joins him, where they know and understand that Mrs Pearson may even take the weekend off. George Pearson then enters the scene, surprised to see his wife day-drinking.

He announces that he has a special match at the club and will not be needing tea this afternoon. He becomes irritated once more when told there is no tea. Mrs Pearson makes fun of him for being irritated at not receiving something he didn't actually want. She tells him about the slang he hears at the club. She goes on to mock him, saying that if he had stayed at home every now and then, this would not have happened. Mrs Fitzgerald enters after a while. She intervenes in their personal matters. Mrs Fitzgerald calls George by his name, which irritates him. But, just as she had done all day, Mrs Pearson barges in to get George back on track. Doris enters the scene, and she, too, is not fond of Mrs Fitzgerald. Mrs Pearson also helps her get back on track.

Mrs Fitzgerald (actually Mrs Pearson) loses her cool at this point and asks the family members to excuse the two friends for a moment. She assures them that she knows how to improve the situation. Mrs Fitzgerald asks Mrs Pearson to switch their bodies, and while Mrs Fitzgerald initially resists, she eventually agrees. They go through the same gestures as before. Mrs Fitzgerald, the real Mrs Fitzgerald, now explains to Mrs Pearson how important it is for her to be a little domineering every now and then in order to establish her control and respect. Mrs Pearson invites the family in and suggests that they play rummy while the kids prepare supper. Everyone agrees right away, and they are relieved as well. Mrs Fitzgerald exits, and the play comes to a ends.

Mother’s Day Lesson Explanation

The following play is a humorous portrayal of the status of the mother in a family. Let’s read on to see how Mrs Pearson’s family reacts when she tries to stand up for her own rights.

Characters
MRS ANNIE PEARSON
GEORGE PEARSON
DORIS PEARSON
CYRIL PEARSON
MRS FITZGERALD

The action takes place in the living-room of the Pearsons’ house in a London suburb.

Time: The Present

Scene: The living-room of the Pearson family. Afternoon. It is a comfortably furnished, much lived-in room in a small suburban semi-detached villa. If necessary only one door need be used, but it is better with two — one up left leading to the front door and the stairs and the other in the right wall leading to the kitchen and the back door. There can be a muslin-covered window in the left wall and possibly one in the right wall, too. The fireplace is assumed to be in the fourth wall. There is a settee up right, an armchair down left and one down right. A small table with two chairs on either side of it stands at the centre. When the curtain rises it is an afternoon in early autumn and the stage can be well lit. Mrs Pearson at right, and Mrs Fitzgerald at left, are sitting opposite each other at the small table, on which are two tea-cups and saucers and the cards with which Mrs Fitzgerald has been telling Mrs Pearson’s fortune. Mrs Pearson is a pleasant but worried-looking woman in her forties. Mrs Fitzgerald is older, heavier and a strong and sinister personality. She is smoking. It is very important that these two should have sharply contrasting voices —Mrs Pearson speaking in a light, flurried sort of tone, with a touch of suburban Cockney perhaps; and Mrs Fitzgerald with a deep voice, rather Irish perhaps.

MRS FITZGERALD: [collecting up the cards] And that’s all I can tell you, Mrs Pearson. Could be a good fortune. Could be a bad one. All depends on yourself now. Make up your mind—and there it is.

Mrs Pearson and Mrs Fitzgerald are sitting opposite each other at Mrs Pearson's place when the story begins. Mrs Fitzgerald is a fortune-teller, and she claims to have seen Mrs Pearson's fortune, so she says to have told her everything she is capable of telling. The same reading can be beneficial if Mrs Pearson's actions are in sync with it, but it can also be harmful.

MRS PEARSON: Yes, thank you, Mrs Fitzgerald. I’m much obliged, I’m sure. It’s wonderful having a real fortune-teller living next door. Did you learn that out East, too?

Mrs Pearson thanks Mrs Fitzgerald for seeing her fortune and expresses how wonderful it is to have someone like her around. She then asks if she (Mrs Fitzgerald) has learned fortune-telling from the East.

MRS FITZGERALD: I did. Twelve years I had of it, with my old man rising to be Lieutenant Quartermaster. He learnt a lot, and I learnt a lot more. But will you make up your mind now, Mrs Pearson dear? Put your foot down, once an’ for all, an’ be the mistress of your own house an’ the boss of your own family.

Mrs Fitzgerald responds that she studied the art for at least twelve years under East. She was learning this as her father ascended the ranks to become Lieutenant Quartermaster. Mrs Pearson is then inspired to stand up for herself and gain the respect she deserves at home.

MRS PEARSON: [smiling apologetically] That’s easier said than done. Besides I’m so fond of them even if they are so thoughtless and selfish. They don’t mean to be…

• Thoughtless- (of a person or their behaviour) not showing consideration for the needs of other people

Mrs Pearson responds to Mrs Fitzgerald's advice by telling her that it is far more difficult than it appears. This is because she adores her family, even if they are oblivious to her needs. She enjoys providing for them, even if they are selfish.

MRS FITZGERALD: [cutting in] Maybe not. But it’ud be better for them if they learnt to treat you properly…

Mrs Fitzgerald wants Mrs Pearson to realise that if she really tries, it isn't that difficult. Furthermore, she believes it would benefit their well-being if they treated her with love and respect.

MRS PEARSON: Yes, I suppose it would, in a way.

Mrs Pearson agrees with Mrs Fitzgerald's point of view.

MRS FITZGERALD: No doubt about it at all. Who’s the better for being spoilt—grown man, lad or girl? Nobody. You think it does ’em good when you run after them all the time, take their orders as if you were the servant in the house, stay at home every night while they go out enjoying themselves? Never in all your life. It’s the ruin of them as well as you. Husbands, sons, daughters should be taking notice of wives an’ mothers, not giving ’em orders an’ treating ’em like dirt. An’ don’t tell me you don’t know what I mean, for I know more than you’ve told me.

Mrs Fitzgerald believes they must learn to treat Mrs Pearson with respect. She goes on to say that none of them (husband, daughter, and son) have turned out well as a result of Mrs Pearson's spoiling. She shows her how running after them, dealing with their tantrums, doing all of their chores for them, and staying home while they have fun every night is bad for Mrs Pearson and her family. She explains how it should be the other way around; the family should treat wives and mothers with respect and look after them rather than giving orders to them. Mrs Fitzgerald tells Mrs Pearson flatly that she should not act mysteriously because she is fully aware of the situation.

MRS PEARSON: [dubiously] I—keep dropping a hint…

• Dubiously- with hesitation or doubt

Mrs Pearson says, hesitantly, that she frequently tries to give her and the family hints in between conversations.

MRS FITZGERALD: Hint? It’s more than hints your family needs, Mrs Pearson.

Mrs Fitzegerald is attempting to persuade her that it is high time for Mrs Pearson's family to respect her, which will require more than just hints. They must be brought back on track.

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 Pearson understands what Mrs Fitzgerald is saying, but she can't bear the thought of causing them any discomfort. She wants to talk it out with her family and take a stand, but she doesn't know where to begin. As she says this, she notices that it is time for everyone to return home. Immediately, she becomes concerned that nothing is prepared for them to return home, and that they will most likely have to rush out again. Mrs Fitzgerald prevents her from getting up and making arrangements for her family.

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.]

She easily asks Mrs Pearson to begin right now, while lighting another cigarette. She tells her to stop always providing for them and to let them experience what it's like to do things on their own.

MRS PEARSON: [embarrassed] Mrs Fitzgerald —I know you mean well —in fact, I agree with you—but I just can’t—and it’s no use you trying to make me. If I promise you I’d really have it out with them, I know I wouldn’t be able to keep my promise.

Mrs Pearson knows in her heart that Mrs Fitzgerald is correct, but she tells her that it is nearly impossible for her to obey. She believes there is no point in making a promise she will be unable to keep.

MRS FITZGERALD: Then let me do it.

She requests that Mrs Pearson let her do the difficult part and teach Mrs Pearson's family a lesson.

MRS PEARSON: [flustered] Oh no—thank you very much, Mrs Fitzgerald —but that wouldn’t do at all. It couldn’t possibly be somebody else — they’d resent it at once and wouldn’t listen— and really I couldn’t blame them. I know I ought to do it— but you see how it is? [She looks apologetically across the table, smiling rather miserably.]

• Flustered- agitated or confused
• Resent- feel bitterness or indignation at a circumstance, action or person

Mrs Pearson tells her that she does not believe it is a good idea. She says this because she knows they will react to her new behaviour at first, but then ignore it and go back to their old ways. Mrs Pearson also does not blame them for this. She is stuck because she knows what she needs to do but is unable to do it.

MRS FITZGERALD: [coolly] You haven’t got the idea.

Mrs Pearson is told that she has no idea how successful the idea will be.

MRS PEARSON: [bewildered] Oh —I’m sorry—I thought you asked me to let you do it.

Mrs Fitzgerald, she reasoned, wanted to take her place in the house and be strict with her family.

MRS FITZGERALD: I did. But not as me— as you.

She confirms that she meant the same thing, but she will not be acting in her place. She will become Mrs Pearson and then carry out her responsibilities.

MRS PEARSON: But—I don’t understand. You couldn’t be me.

Mrs Pearson, as perplexed as she is at the moment, asks Mrs Fitzgerald to elaborate.

MRS FITZGERALD: [coolly] We change places. Or — really — bodies. You look like me. I look like you.

She proposes that they swap places, or that they change bodies, so that Mrs Fitzgerald looks like Mrs Pearson and vice versa.

MRS PEARSON: But that’s impossible.

Mrs Pearson, now more perplexed and even surprised, expresses that this is not possible.

MRS FITZGERALD: How do you know? Ever tried it?

Mrs Fitzgerald questions Mrs Pearson's response by asking if she has ever tried it.

MRS PEARSON: No, of course not…

Mrs Pearson had obviously never tried it.

MRS FITZGERALD: [coolly] I have. Not for some time but it still ought to work. Won’t last long, but long enough for what we want to do. Learnt it out East, of course, where they’re up to all these tricks. [She holds her hand out across the table, keeping the cigarette in her mouth] Gimme your hands, dear.

Mrs Fitzgerald tells her in a relaxed tone that she has tried it before and that, despite the fact that it has been a long time, the trick should still work. Its effect will last only a short time, but it will be enough for them to accomplish their goal. She went on to say, while holding Mrs Pearson's hands, that she learned the trick from the East.

MRS PEARSON: [dubiously] Well —I don’t know —is it right?

Mrs Pearson, still perplexed, seeks assurance from Mrs Fitzgerald.

MRS FITZGERALD: It’s your only chance. Give me your hands an’ keep quiet a minute. Just don’t think about anything. [Taking her hands] Now look at me. [They stare at each other. Muttering] Arshtatta dum—arshtatta lam—arshtatta lamdumbona… [This little scene should be acted very carefully. We are to assume that the personalities change bodies. After the spell has been spoken, both women, still grasping hands, go lax, as if the life were out of them. Then both come to life, but with the personality of the other. Each must try to adopt the voice and mannerisms of the other. So now Mrs Pearson is bold and dominating and Mrs Fitzgerald is nervous and fluttering.]

Mrs Fitzgerald, on the other hand, makes her aware that she has no other choice while holding her hands. In the transmission process, she gives Mrs Pearson a few simple instructions and speaks a few words in her mouth. When she whispers the spell, both of their bodies go lifeless for a brief moment while still holding each other's hands. As they both reawaken, they try to imitate each other. Mrs Fitzgerald is now a little shy, and Mrs Pearson is no longer afraid.

MRS PEARSON: [now with Mrs Fitzgerald’s personality] See what I mean, dear? [She notices the cigarette] Here—you don’t want that. [She snatches it and puts it in her own mouth, puffing contentedly.]

The personalities have now been switched, and the transmission process has concluded. She is confident in the success of her trick as she snatches the cigarette from Mrs Fitzgerald's (now Mrs Pearson) hand.

[Mrs Fitzgerald, now with Mrs Pearson’s personality, looks down at herself and sees that her body has changed and gives a scream of fright.]

Mrs Fitzgerad (now Mrs Pearson) looks in the mirror and is surprised to see herself in the body of Mrs Fitzgerald. As a result, she screams in terror.

MRS FITZGERALD: [with Mrs Pearson’s personality] Oh —it’s happened.

Mrs Fitzgerald, who is still in shock, now believes it is possible and that their bodies have changed.

MRS PEARSON: [complacently] Of course it’s happened. Very neat. Didn’t know I had it in me.

• Complacently- showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements

Mrs Pearson affirms proudly and thinks to herself that she was unsure if she still had the ability to perform the magic.

MRS FITZGERALD: [alarmed] But whatever shall I do, Mrs Fitzgerald? George and the children can’t see me like this.

Mrs Pearson (now in the body of Mrs Fitzgerald) is concerned that her family will be unable to recognise her in the body of Mrs Fitzgerald.

MRS PEARSON: [grimly] They aren’t going to — that’s the point. They’ll have me to deal with —only they won’t know it.

• Grimly- bitter, hard manner

She tells Mrs Pearson, who is worried, that her family will have to face Mrs Fitzgerald, who is now in her body. The secret is theirs alone, and the rest of the family will be kept in the dark.

MRS FITZGERALD: [still alarmed] But what if we can’t change back? It’ud be terrible.

She is still concerned about the consequences and the inability to reverse the magic.

MRS PEARSON: Here—steady, Mrs Pearson —if you had to live my life it wouldn’t be so bad. You’d have more fun as me than you’ve had as you.

To comfort her, she tells the real Mrs Pearson that she would have more privilege and fun being Mrs Fitzgerald while living her life.

MRS FITZGERALD: Yes—but I don’t want to be anybody else…

Still concerned, she tells her that she wishes to live as herself and not as someone else.

MRS PEARSON: Now —stop worrying. It’s easier changing back —I can do it any time we want…

She reassures her that there is nothing to worry about and that she will reverse it whenever Mrs Pearson desires.

MRS FITZGERALD: Well—do it now…

MRS PEARSON: Not likely. I’ve got to deal with your family first. That’s the idea, isn’t it? Didn’t know how to begin with ‘em, you said. Well. I’ll show you.

Mrs Pearson wishes to return to her body, whereas Mrs Fitzgerald believes she should first deal with her family. Mrs Pearson had no idea where to start, so Mrs Fitzgerald would do it for her.

MRS FITZGERALD: But what am I going to do?

In the meantime, she wonders what she should do.

MRS PEARSON: Go into my house for a bit—there’s nobody there— then pop back and see how we’re doing. You ought to enjoy it. Better get off now before one of ’em comes.

She tells her to go to Mrs Fitzgerald's house, which is currently empty. She could come back later to see how things are going, but for now, she should enjoy the process. She then tells her to leave before anyone notices her.

MRS FITZGERALD: [nervously rising] Yes —I suppose that’s best. You’re sure it’ll be all right?

Mrs Fitzgerald gets up to leave, realising what is going on, and confirms once more if everything is going to work.

MRS PEARSON: [chuckling] It’ll be wonderful. Now off you go, dear. [Mrs Fitzgerald crosses and hurries out through the door right. Left to herself, Mrs Pearson smokes away — lighting another cigarette — and begins laying out the cards for patience on the table. After a few moments Doris Pearson comes bursting in left. She is a pretty girl in her early twenties, who would be pleasant enough if she had not been spoilt.]

• Chuckling- laugh quietly or inwardly

Mrs Pearson comforts her and tells her to go. Mrs Pearson attempts to make herself at ease while Mrs Fitzgerald departs by lighting another cigarette and sorting her cards. Doris Pearson, a young woman of about twenty, enters after a while. She is Mrs Pearson's daughter, and she had the potential to do well if she hadn't been overly spoiled.

DORIS: [before she has taken anything in] Mum— you’ll have to iron my yellow silk. I must wear it tonight. [She now sees what is happening, and is astounded.] What are you doing? [She moves down left centre.]

• Astounded- shock or greatly surprise

Doris instructs her mother, unnoticed, to iron her yellow silk gown because she is supposed to go out that night. She is startled when she notices her mother and rushes towards her.

[Mrs Pearson now uses her ordinary voice, but her manner is not fluttering and apologetic but cool and incisive.]

MRS PEARSON: [not even looking up] What d’you think I’m doing—whitewashing the ceiling?

• Fluttering- trembling
• Incisive- intelligently analytical and clear thinking

As she prepares to speak, she adopts her normal calm tone rather than her usual regretful and shaky tone. She looks at her and sarcastically asks her what she was doing, according to her. Does it appear that she is painting the ceiling?

DORIS: [still astounded] But you’re smoking!

She mentions her mother's smoking. Mrs Pearson is usually not seen smoking, so her shock is understandable.

MRS PEARSON: That’s right, dear. No law against it, is there?

Mrs Pearson responds, once again calmly, that she saw it correctly and tells her that there is no law prohibiting smoking.

DORIS: But I thought you didn’t smoke.

She is surprised because she assumed Mrs Pearson did not smoke.

MRS PEARSON: Then you thought wrong.

She tells Doris flatly that she was mistaken.

DORIS: Are we having tea in the kitchen?

Doris asks in the kitchen if the tea is ready for her.

MRS PEARSON: Have it where you like, dear.

She tells her that she is able to take it wherever she wants.

DORIS: [angrily] Do you mean it isn’t ready?

She is irritated and asks if Mrs Pearson is indicating that the tea is not ready.

MRS PEARSON: Yours isn’t. I’ve had all I want. Might go out later and get a square meal at the Clarendon.

Mrs Pearson responds that she has had all of her tea and that there is none ready for Doris. She then mentions that she may go out to eat at the Clarendon.

DORIS: [hardly believing her ears] Who might?

She asks Mrs Pearson, a little more shocked, who would go out for a meal?

MRS PEARSON: I might. Who d’you think?

Mrs Pearson tells her that she might go out to eat again. She is only speaking about herself.

DORIS: [staring at her] Mum —what’s the matter with you?

Doris senses something is wrong and inquires of Mrs Pearson as to what has happened to her.

MRS PEARSON: Don’t be silly.

DORIS: [indignantly] It’s not me that’s being silly— and I must say it’s a bit much when I’ve been working hard all day and you can’t even bother to get my tea ready. Did you hear what I said about my yellow silk?

• Indignantly- in a manner indicating anger or annoyance at something perceived as unfair

She exclaims that she is not being foolish because she believes it is unfair to her. She finds it difficult to accept that she has been working hard and that when she returns home tired, she cannot even expect a cup of tea. She then asks of Mrs Pearson whether she has got the instructions regarding her yellow silk.

MRS PEARSON: No. Don’t you like it now? I never did.

Mrs Pearson denies knowing anything about her dress. She asks Doris if she now prefers to be treated in the same manner as Mrs Pearson.

DORIS: [indignantly] Of course I like it. And I’m going to wear it tonight. So I want it ironed.

She rudely tells Mrs Pearson that she has no objections and that she wants her yellow dress ironed so that she can wear it.

MRS PEARSON: Want it ironed? What d’you think it’s going to do—iron itself?

Mrs Pearson asks Doris what she means when she says she wants the dress "ironed," because the dress will not be ironed on its own.

DORIS: No, you’re going to iron it for me… You always do.

Doris tells her she wants Mrs Pearson to do it the same way she always does.

MRS PEARSON: Well, this time I don’t. And don’t talk rubbish to me about working hard. I’ve a good idea how much you do, Doris Pearson. I put in twice the hours you do, and get no wages nor thanks for it. Why are you going to wear your yellow silk? Where are you going?

Mrs Pearson refuses to iron Doris's dress this time and tells her not to brag about the long hours she works because Mrs Pearson works twice as many hours as Doris and has never complained or been thanked for it. She isn't even compensated. She then asks Doris as to where she is supposed to go that night.

DORIS: [sulkily] Out with Charlie Spence.

• Sulkily- a disagreeable mood

She responds that she is going to meet Charlie Spence for dinner.

MRS PEARSON: Why?

Doris is asked on what occasion she is going out with Charlie.

DORIS: [wildly] Why? Why? What’s the matter with you? Why shouldn’t I go out with Charlie Spence if he asks me and I want to? Any objections? Go on —you might as well tell me…

She becomes even more irritated and tells her that Charlie has asked her out and she wants to go. She asks Mrs Pearson irritably if she objects to that as well, and if so, she might as well spit it out. Doris is perplexed as to what has happened to her mother, who has been acting strangely.

MRS PEARSON: [severely] Can’t you find anybody better? I wouldn’t be seen dead with Charlie Spence. Buck teeth and half-witted…

Mrs Pearson asks her if she can find anyone better than Charlie Spence. She believes he does not have a good appearance and is not very intelligent.

DORIS: He isn’t…

She makes an attempt to defend Charlie Spence.

MRS PEARSON: When I was your age I’d have found somebody better than Charlie Spence—or given myself up as a bad job.

Mrs Pearson boasts that she would have done a better job of finding a good boy, someone better than Charlie Spence. If she hadn't succeeded, she would have given up on finding anyone who said she was bad at it.

DORIS: [nearly in tears] Oh —shut up!

Mrs Pearson, almost in tears, asks her to stop picking at her.

[Doris runs out left. Mrs Pearson chuckles and begins putting the cards together. After a moment Cyril Pearson enters left. He is the masculine counterpart of Doris.]

CYRIL: [briskly] Hello—Mum. Tea ready?

• Briskly- in an active, quick or energetic way

Mrs Pearson's son, Cyril, asks her if the tea is ready as soon as he gets home.

MRS PEARSON: No.

CYRIL: [moving to the table; annoyed] Why not?

Mrs Pearson tells him that the tea is not ready, which irritates him, and he moves towards the table to ask about the reason for the tea's non-preparation.

MRS PEARSON: [coolly] I couldn’t bother.
CYRIL: Feeling off-colour or something?

Mrs Pearson tells him, calmly, that she didn't bother making tea for him. Concerned, Cyril asks as to her well-being.

MRS PEARSON: Never felt better in my life.

She conveys that she is at her best by being all relaxed.

CYRIL: [aggressively] What’s the idea then?

When he hears her response, he becomes argumentative and asks her to explain.

MRS PEARSON: Just a change.

Mrs Pearson says the tea isn't ready because she wants to break the monotony.

CYRIL: [briskly] Well, snap out of it, Ma—and get cracking. Haven’t too much time. [Cyril is about to go when Mrs Pearson’s voice checks him.]

• Briskly- In an active, quick, or energetic way
• Cracking- fast

In a commanding tone, he tells her to stop resting and make tea for him. He tells her that he is in a hurry, as he always is.

MRS PEARSON: I’ve plenty of time.

Mrs Pearson stops Cyril as he is about to leave, saying that he may be in a hurry, but she is calm because she has plenty of time.

CYRIL: Yes, but I haven’t. Got a busy night tonight. [moving left to the door] Did you put my things out?

Cyril, being a spoiled child, responds that he is running out of time and that it will be a long night. He asks Mrs Pearson if all of his belongings are ready.

MRS PEARSON: [coolly] Can’t remember. But I doubt it.

She says, calmly, that she doesn't remember taking them out, which is probably because she didn't take them out.

CYRIL: [moving to the table; protesting] Now —look. When I asked you this morning, you promised. You said you’d have to look through ‘em first in case there was any mending.

Cyril moves towards Mrs Pearson in an attempt to raise an objection, reminding her that she promised to keep them ready. She even promised to fix them if they needed it.

MRS PEARSON: Yes — well now I’ve decided I don’t like mending.

Mrs Pearson stated that she has changed her mind because she realised that she dislikes sewing (or fixing)

CYRIL: That’s a nice way to talk — what would happen if we all talked like that?

He objects to Mrs Pearson's manner of speech and asks her how she would feel if everyone spoke to her in this manner.

MRS PEARSON: You all do talk like that. If there’s something at home you don’t want to do, you don’t do it. If it’s something at your work, you get the Union to bar it. Now all that’s happened is that I’ve joined the movement.

Mrs Pearson clarifies that they are already speaking to her in an offensive tone. They do what they want while leaving what they don't. They have been given this privilege at home, and it is the situation in the office where if they do not like something, they request that the Union intervene. She mentions that what has now changed is that she has begun to act in the same manner in which she refuses to do what she does not want to do.

CYRIL: [staggered] I don’t get this, Mum. What’s going on?

• Staggered- astonish or deeply shock

He's astounded by his mother's response and tries to figure out what's going on.

MRS PEARSON: [laconic and sinister] Changes.

• Laconic- using very few words
• Sinister- giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen

She chooses not to say much, but she implies that things will change from now on.

[Doris enters left. She is in the process of dressing and is now wearing a wrap. She looks pale and red-eyed.]

MRS PEARSON: You look terrible. I wouldn’t wear that face even for Charlie Spence.

Doris appears on the scene with red eyes and a white face. Mrs Pearson inquires as to what is wrong and how she would deal with Charlie Spence with this expression.

DORIS: [moving above the table; angrily] Oh —shut up about Charlie Spence. And anyhow I’m not ready yet—just dressing. And if I do look terrible, it’s your fault—you made me cry.

Doris, all worked up, tells her mother to keep her mouth shut about Charlie Spence. She continues, "I am not yet ready," and the reason for her gloomy expression is that she has been cying after talking with Mrs Pearson.

CYRIL: [curious] Why— what did she do?

Cyril interrupts and questions as to what their mother did.

DORIS: Never you mind.

Doris tells her brother not to get involved.

MRS PEARSON: [rising and preparing to move to the kitchen] Have we any stout left? I can’t remember.

• Stout- a kind of strong, dark beer brewed with roasted malt or barley

Mrs Pearson gets up to go to the kitchen, asking for stout while paying as little attention as possible.

CYRIL: Bottle or two, I think. But you don’t want stout now.

Cyril recalls that there may be one or two bottles left, but tells her in a strange tone that she doesn't need stout after all this mess.

MRS PEARSON: [moving left slowly] I do.

She expresses her preference for stout at this time.

CYRIL: What for?

Cyril asks as to why she requires stout.

MRS PEARSON: [turning at the door] To drink —you clot!

• Clot- a foolish or clumsy person

Mrs Pearson says Cyril is a fool for asking her such a question.

[Mrs Pearson exits right. Instantly Cyril and Doris are in a huddle, close together at left centre, rapidly whispering.]
DORIS: Has she been like that with you, too?

As soon as Mrs Pearson leaves, the siblings gather to discuss the situation behind Mrs Pearson's back. Doris inquires of her brother whether their mother has been acting strangely with him as well.

CYRIL: Yes—no tea ready—couldn’t care less…

Cyril tells Doris that she has been acting similarly to him. She didn't even make him tea.

DORIS: Well, I’m glad it’s both of us. I thought I’d done something wrong.

Doris is relieved to learn that they are both in the same boat because she was afraid she had hurt Mrs Pearson in some way.

CYRIL: So did I. But it’s her of course…

Cyril admits that he had the same thought, but Mrs Pearson is the one who has been acting strangely.

DORIS: She was smoking and playing cards when I came in. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

Doris tells Cyril how surprised she was to see her mother smoking and playing cards after she got home from work.

CYRIL: I asked her if she was feeling off-colour and she said she wasn’t.

Cyril told her that he had even asked her if she was feeling sick, but she replied that she had never felt better.

DORIS: Well, she’s suddenly all different. An’ that’s what made me cry. It wasn’t what she said but the way she said it— an’ the way she looked.

She is astounded by the transformation in herself. She tells Cyril that it wasn't her words that made her cry, but the look in her eyes.

CYRIL: Haven’t noticed that. She looks just the same to me.

He says he hasn't noticed any changes in her appearance.

DORIS: She doesn’t to me. Do you think she could have hit her head or something—y’know — an’ got—what is it?—y’know…

Doris suspects Mrs Pearson may have hit her head somewhere and inflicted injury on herself.

CYRIL: [staggered] Do you mean she’s barmy?

• Barmy- mad; crazy

He is perplexed and asks Doris if she means their mother has gone insane.

DORIS: No, you fathead. Y’know —concussion. She might have.

• Fathead- a stupid person
• Concussion- a violent shock as from a heavy blow

Doris speculates that she may be in shock as a result of a hit to the head.

CYRIL: Sounds far-fetched.

• Far-fetched- unlikely and unconvincing; implausible

Doris, according to Cyril, is not being reasonable.

DORIS: Well, she’s far-fetched, if you ask me. [She suddenly begins to giggle.]

Doris remarks, with a lighthearted laugh, that she is finding her mother to be irrational at the moment.

CYRIL: Now then —what is it?

Cyril asks as to what she means.

DORIS: If she’s going to be like this when Dad comes home… [She giggles again.]

Doris illustrates what will happen if their father witnesses Mrs Pearson acting in this manner.

CYRIL: [beginning to guffaw] I’m staying in for that-two front dress circles for the first house…

• Guffaw- a loud and hearty laugh

Cyril mocks what is about to happen in that case, joking that he is willing to stay at home to witness it.

[Mrs Pearson enters right, carrying a bottle of stout and a half-filled glass. Cyril and Doris try to stop their guffawing and giggling, but they are not quick enough. Mrs Pearson regards them with contempt.]
MRS PEARSON [coldly] You two are always talking about being grown-up —why don’t you both try for once to be your age? [She moves to the settee and sits.]

• Contempt- the feeling that a person or a thing is worthless or beneath consideration
• Settee-  long upholstered seat for more than one person, typically with a back and arms

 

Mrs Pearson enters the room with a stout while the siblings are talking. Mrs Pearson mocks them because they were unable to control their laughter. As she walks towards a settee, she remarks on how both of them regard themselves as mature and asks them to act and be responsible like people their age.

CYRIL: Can’t we laugh now?

Mrs Pearson is asked by Cyril if she has any objections to their laughing.

MRS PEARSON Yes, if it’s funny. Go on, tell me. Make me laugh. I could do with it.

She responds that she has no objections to them laughing at something funny. She requests that they also make her laugh by telling her what they were discussing.

DORIS: Y’know you never understand our jokes, Mum…

Mrs Pearson's ability to understand their jokes is undermined by Doris.

MRS PEARSON: I was yawning at your jokes before you were born, Doris.

Mrs Pearson responds in an equally mean tone, indicating how boring their jokes are most of the time.

DORIS: [almost tearful again] What’s making you talk like this? What have we done?

Doris, who is not used to Mrs Pearson talking to them in this manner, inquires as to the reason for her behaviour. She is about to cry again and wonders what they did to deserve this.

MRS PEARSON: [promptly] Nothing but come in, ask for something, go out again, then come back when there’s nowhere else to go.

She mentions that they haven't done much other than barge in whenever they want and leave whenever they want. In the meantime, all they do is make her work all the time, and when they have nowhere else to go, they return home.

CYRIL: [aggressively] Look —if you won’t get tea ready, then I’ll find something to eat myself…

Cyril becomes angry and hyper while telling Mrs Pearson that if she does not prepare the tea, he will find something to eat on his own.

MRS PEARSON: Why not? Help yourself. [She takes a sip of stout.]

Mrs Pearson tells him to go ahead and get himself something to eat while sipping stout.

CYRIL: [turning on his way to the kitchen] Mind you, I think it’s a bit thick. I’ve been working all day.

He tries to make Mrs Pearson feel obligated to prepare for him as he has been working all day while walking to the kitchen.

DORIS: Same here.

Doris agrees with Cyril.

MRS PEARSON: (calmly) Eight hour day!

Mrs Pearson (actually Mrs Fitzgerald) maintains her cool and tells them that they only work an eight-hour shift per day.

CYRIL: Yes— eight hour day —an’ don’t forget it.

Cyril exaggerates his eight-hour shift.

MRS PEARSON: I’ve done my eight hours.

She informs them that she has finished her eight-hour shift of doing their work and dealing with their tantrums.

CYRIL: That’s different.
DORIS: Of course it is.

They both argue that Mrs Pearson's eight-hour workday pales in comparison to theirs.

MRS PEARSON: [calmly] It was. Now it isn’t. Forty-hour week for all now. Just watch it at the weekend when I have my two days off. [Doris and Cyril exchange alarmed glances. Then they stare at Mrs Pearson who returns their look calmly.]

She warns them, without losing her cool, that everything is about to change from now on. She will only work forty hours per week, just like the rest of them, and tells them to keep an eye out for when she takes her weekend off. Doris and Cyril are shocked, but Mrs Pearson maintains her calm demeanour.

CYRIL: Must grab something to eat. Looks as if I’ll need to keep my strength up. [Cyril exits to the kitchen.]

Cyril leaves the room to go to the kitchen to get something to eat. He believes it is necessary because he will need the strength to face all of this.

DORIS: [moving to the settee; anxiously] Mummy, you don’t mean you’re not going to do anything on Saturday and Sunday?

Doris, still shocked by Mrs Pearson's remarks, confirms whether she was joking or not.

MRS PEARSON: [airily] No, I wouldn’t go that far. I might make a bed or two and do a bit of cooking as a favour. Which means, of course, I’ll have to be asked very nicely and thanked for everything and generally made a fuss of. But any of you forty-hour-a-weekers who expect to be waited on hand and foot on Saturday and Sunday, with no thanks for it, are in for a nasty disappointment. Might go off for the week-end perhaps.

• Nasty- very bad or unpleasant

She explains that if she is pleasantly asked to do so, she may perform a few minor tasks and is duly thanked for doing so. She warns her that if any of her family members who work only 8 hours a day and keep complaining about it expect her to complete all of their tasks, they will be disappointed this time. She even mentions that she might take a vacation.

DORIS: [aghast] Go off for the week-end?

• Aghast- filled with horror or shock

She was even more surprised when Mrs Pearson mentioned that she might take a vacation this weekend.

MRS PEARSON: Why not? I could do with a change. Stuck here day after day, week after week. If I don’t need a change, who does?

Mrs Pearson responds that she, above all, deserves a break because she works 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

DORIS: But where would you go, who would you go with?

Doris is unsure where she would go and with whom she would go.

MRS PEARSON: That’s my business. You don’t ask me where you should go and who you should go with, do you?

Mrs Pearson expresses her belief that Doris has no right to ask her all of this because she never asks Doris the same questions.

DORIS: That’s different.

Doris tells her that what she does is not the same as what she does.

MRS PEARSON: The only difference is that I’m a lot older and better able to look after myself, so it’s you who should do the asking.

Mrs Pearson clarifies that she is older than Doris and in a better position to care for herself, so it makes sense for Doris to seek permission from Mrs Pearson rather than vice versa.

DORIS: Did you fall or hit yourself with something?

Doris finally asks Mrs Pearson if she hit herself and suffered a concussion.

MRS PEARSON: [coldly] No. But I’ll hit you with something, girl, if you don’t stop asking silly questions.

She responds bluntly that she is fine, but if Doris doesn't stop talking, she will undoubtedly hit her with something.

[Doris stares at her open-mouthed, ready to cry.]
DORIS: Oh —this is awful… [She begins to cry, not passionately.]

She expresses how disheartening it is to go through all of this, almost crying, and then bursts into tears.

MRS PEARSON: [coldly] Stop blubbering. You’re not a baby. If you’re old enough to go out with Charlie Spence, you’re old enough to behave properly. Now stop it.

Mrs Pearson asks that Doris stop acting like a child. She states unequivocally that if she considers herself mature enough to date Charlie Spence, she should act appropriately at home as well.

[George Pearson enters left. He is about fifty, fundamentally decent but solemn, self-important, pompous. Preferably he should be a heavy, slow-moving type. He notices Doris’s tears.]
GEORGE: Hello—what’s this? Can’t be anything to cry about.

• Solemn- formal and dignified; characterized by deep sincerity
• Pompous- affectedly grand, solemn, or self-important

Mrs Pearson's husband, George Pearson, walks in while they are talking. He is a man in his fifties who exudes deep sincerity while also being assertive. As one might expect, he must be a healthy man who moves slowly. As he walks in, he notices Doris crying. He asks her what's the matter, confident that it won't be worth crying over.

DORIS: [through sobs] You’ll see. [Doris runs out left with a sob or two on the way. George stares after her a moment, then looks at Mrs Pearson.]

Doris tells her father to wait and observe while she sobs and left the scene.

GEORGE: Did she say ‘You’ll see’…?

George Pearson is shocked by how fast she ran and what she said.

MRS PEARSON: Yes.

Mrs Pearson provides an answer to George's rhetorical question.

GEORGE: What did she mean?

He's still confused about what's going on.

MRS PEARSON: Better ask her.

Mrs Pearson suggests he ask Doris what she meant.

[George looks slowly again at the door then at Mrs Pearson. Then he notices the stout that Mrs Pearson raises for another sip. His eyes almost bulge.]
GEORGE: Stout?

George is even more surprised as Mrs Pearson raises her glass to sip her stout.

MRS PEARSON: Yes.

Mrs Pearson tells him that he was correct.

GEORGE: [amazed] What are you drinking stout for?

Still astounded, he inquires as to the reason for her drinking.

MRS PEARSON: Because I fancied some.

She simply responds, keeping her cool, by saying that she is drinking it because she wants to.

GEORGE: At this time of day?

He is shocked by the sight of Mrs Pearson drinking during the day.

MRS PEARSON: Yes—what’s wrong with it at this time of day?

She counters with a question about what the problem is with drinking at this time of day.

GEORGE: [bewildered] Nothing, I suppose, Annie — but I’ve never seen you do it before…

• Bewildered- perplexed and confused; very puzzled

He explains that he is shocked because Mrs Pearson had never been seen day drinking before.

MRS PEARSON: Well, you’re seeing me now.

She tells him there's nothing to be surprised about. He hasn't seen her do it before, but he is seeing her do it now.

GEORGE: [with heavy distaste] Yes, an’ I don’t like it. It doesn’t look right. I’m surprised at you.

He tells Mrs Pearson, with contempt, that he doesn't like the idea of her drinking at this hour. It completely blew his mind.

MRS PEARSON: Well, that ought to be a nice change for you.

In response to his reaction, she states that it could be a pleasant change for him.

GEORGE: What do you mean?

He didn't understand what she was saying.

MRS PEARSON: It must be some time since you were surprised at me, George.

She explains that she hasn't dazzled him in a long time.

GEORGE: I don’t like surprises—I’m all for a steady going on —you ought to know that by this time. By the way, I forgot to tell you this morning I wouldn’t want any tea. Special snooker match night at the club tonight— an’ a bit of supper going. So no tea.

• Snooker- a game played with cues on a billiard table in which the players use a cue ball (white) to pocket the other balls (fifteen red and six coloured) in a set order

He tells her how he dislikes change and surprises, which Mrs Pearson should be aware of by now. He then shifts the subject by informing Mrs Pearson that he forgot to inform her about the Special snooker match and supper. In addition, he won't require any tea that afternoon.

MRS PEARSON: That’s all right. There isn’t any.

She informs him that no tea has been prepared, so it is fine even if he forgot to convey.

GEORGE: [astonished] You mean you didn’t get any ready?

He's shocked by her response and asks Mrs Pearson what she just told him.

MRS PEARSON: Yes. And a good thing, too, as it’s turned out.

Mrs Pearson responds that everything is fine because he didn't need any tea.

GEORGE: [aggrieved] That’s all very well, but suppose I’d wanted some?

He asks Mrs Pearson what he should do if he wants some.

MRS PEARSON: My goodness! Listen to the man! Annoyed because I don’t get a tea for him that he doesn’t even want. Ever tried that at the club?

Mrs Pearson is baffled that George Pearson is upset because the tea he did not want is not made. She suggests that he try this out at the club some time.

GEORGE: Tried what at the club?

He's not sure what Mrs Pearson wants him to try at the club.

MRS PEARSON: Going up to the bar and telling ’em you don’t want a glass of beer but you’re annoyed because they haven’t already poured it out. Try that on them and see what you get.

She describes the tea situation in the context of the club, where he goes to the bar to tell them he doesn't want a beer and then gets upset because they haven't already poured some for him. She suggests that he observe their reaction.

GEORGE: I don’t know what you’re talking about.

He claims he didn't understand what Mrs Pearson just said.

MRS PEARSON: They’d laugh at you even more than they do now.

Mrs Pearson says that the members of the club would mock him even more than they did.

GEORGE: [indignantly] Laugh at me? They don’t laugh at me.

• Indignantly- in a manner indicating anger or annoyance at something perceived as unfair.

When Mrs Pearson says that, he becomes irritated and tells her that they don't make fun of him.

MRS PEARSON: Of course they do. You ought to have found that out by this time. Anybody else would have done. You’re one of their standing jokes. Famous. They call you Pompy-ompy Pearson because they think you’re so slow and pompous.

• Pompous- self-important or overbearing

Mrs Pearson tells him he should have realised this by now. They would have known by now if someone else had been in his place. She also tells him that he is famously mocked at the club, and they refer to him as "Pompy-ompy Pearson" because they believe he is self-absorbed and overbearing.

GEORGE: [horrified] Never!

George is shocked by her words and denies them.

MRS PEARSON: It’s always beaten me why you should want to spend so much time at a place where they’re always laughing at you behind your back and calling you names. Leaving your wife at home, night after night. Instead of going out with her, who doesn’t make you look a fool…

Mrs Pearson expresses how painful it has been for her to see her husband leave her and wish to move to a place where people make fun of him behind his back. She goes on to say that he does it every night rather than going out with Mrs Pearson, who doesn't make him look like a fool.

[Cyril enters right, with a glass of milk in one hand and a thick slice of cake in the other. George, almost dazed, turns to him appealingly.]

Cyril walks into the room, a glass of milk in one hand and a slice of cake in the other. George is confused and turns to look at Cyril for assistance.

GEORGE: Here, Cyril, you’ve been with me to the club once or twice. They don’t laugh at me and call me Pompy-ompy Pearson, do they? [Cyril, embarrassed, hesitates.] [Angrily] Go on —tell me. Do they?

He asks Cyril angrily if he was aware of what was going on in the club, leaving Cyril embarrassed and unwilling to answer.

CYRIL: [embarrassed] Well —yes, Dad, I’m afraid they do. [George slowly looks from one to the other, staggered.]

• Staggered- astonish or deeply shock

He admitted to George, though somewhat uncomfortably, that they do call him names.

GEORGE: [slowly] Well —I’ll be—damned! [George exits left, slowly, almost as if somebody had hit him over the head. Cyril, after watching him go, turns indignantly to Mrs Pearson.]

George slowly curses himself, saying that if they call him names at the club, he will go to hell. He walks away from the scene in a state of shock and despair, as if he's been hit on the head. Cyril sees him leave and turns to talk with Mrs Pearson.

CYRIL: Now you shouldn’t have told him that, Mum. That’s not fair. You’ve hurt his feelings. Mine, too.

Cyril expresses his point of view, stating that Mrs Pearson's treatment of his father was unkind. She not only hurt his feelings, but also those of Cyril.

MRS PEARSON: Sometimes it does people good to have their feelings hurt. The truth oughtn’t to hurt anybody for long. If your father didn’t go to the club so often, perhaps they’d stop laughing at him.

She then imparts some wisdom, telling him that the truth only hurts for a short time and that it is okay to have one's feelings hurt from time to time. She goes on to say that if his father didn't go to the club every other day, this would not have happened.

CYRIL: [gloomily] I doubt it.

He doesn't believe anything Mrs Pearson says right now.

MRS PEARSON: [severely] Possibly you do, but what I doubt is whether your opinion’s worth having. What do you know? Nothing. You spend too much time and good money at greyhound races and dirt tracks and ice shows…

Mrs Pearson emphasises that she did not seek Cyril's opinion on the matter. She mentions that he, too, lacks the necessary knowledge to discuss these topics because all he knows is spending time and money on greyhound races and ice shows.

CYRIL: [sulkily] Well, what if I do? I’ve got to enjoy myself somehow, haven’t I?

• Sulkily- showing a disagreeable mood

He mentions that he has no objections to doing so if it brings him joy.

MRS PEARSON: I wouldn’t mind so much if you were really enjoying yourself. But are you? And where’s it getting you? [There is a sharp hurried knocking heard off left.]

Mrs Pearson informs him that she has no objections to him doing all of these things if they bring him joy. She asks him if he is actually having the fun he claims to be having, and if it is taking him anywhere good. Someone unexpectedly knocks on the door.

CYRIL: Might be for me. I’ll see. [Cyril hurries out left. In a moment he re-enters, closing the door behind him.] It’s that silly old bag from next door —Mrs Fitzgerald. You don’t want her here, do you?

Cyril goes to check the door, thinking someone has come to see him, and returns after a while to tell Mrs Pearson that Mrs Fitzgerald has come to see her. He doesn't hold her in high regard and asks Mrs Pearson if she really wants to see her.

MRS PEARSON: [sharply] Certainly I do. Ask her in. And don’t call her a silly old bag either. She’s a very nice woman, with a lot more sense than you’ll ever have. [Cyril exits left. Mrs Pearson finishes her stout, smacking her lips. Cyril re-enters left, ushering in Mrs Fitzgerald, who hesitates in the doorway.] Come in, come in, Mrs Fitzgerald.

• Ushering- showing or guide someone somewhere

She clearly responds that she does want to see Mrs Fitzgerald and tells him to treat her with respect because she is a delightful woman who speaks more sense than he does. Mrs Pearson finishes her stout and greets Cyril as she leads Mrs Fitzgerald to Mrs Pearson.

MRS FITZGERALD: [moving to left centre; anxiously] I — just wondered —if everything’s— all right…

She enters hesitantly and inquires about the status of things.

CYRIL: [sulkily] No, it isn’t.

Cyril immediately disagrees.

MRS PEARSON: [sharply] Of course it is. You be quiet.

In an attempt to control the situation, Mrs Pearson tells Mrs Fitzgerald (who is actually Mrs Pearson) that everything is fine and instructs Cyril not to speak.

CYRIL: [indignantly and loudly] Why should I be quiet?

• Indignantly- in a manner indicating anger or annoyance at something perceived as unfair

Given Mrs Pearson's unfairness, he bursts out and asks her why he is not allowed to speak.

MRS PEARSON: [shouting] Because I tell you to—you silly, spoilt, young piecan.

• Piecan- referring a foolish person

Mrs Pearson shouts at Cyril and tells him to do what she says.

MRS FITZGERALD: [protesting nervously] Oh —no— surely…

Mrs Fitzgerald attempts to intervene.

MRS PEARSON: [severely] Now, Mrs Fitzgerald, just let me manage my family in my own way —please!

Mrs Pearson responds immediately and advises Mrs Fitzgerald to stay out of her personal and family matters.

MRS FITZGERALD: Yes—but Cyril…

She tries to bring up Cyril, but is interrupted once more, this time by Cyril.

CYRIL: [sulky and glowering] Mr Cyril Pearson to you, please, Mrs Fitzgerald. [Cyril stalks off into the kitchen.]

MRS FITZGERALD: [moving to the settee; whispering] Oh — dear —what’s happening?

• Glowering- have an angry look on one’s face

Mrs Fitzgerald becomes concerned and takes a seat on the settee. Then she expresses her concerns.

MRS PEARSON: [calmly] Nothing much. Just putting ‘em in their places, that’s all. Doing what you ought to have done long since.

Mrs Pearson responds that what she is doing is long overdue. She's just trying to get them to behave nicely.

MRS FITZGERALD: Is George home? [She sits beside Mrs Pearson on the settee.]

Mrs Fitzgerald approaches Mrs Pearson and asks if George is home.

MRS PEARSON: Yes. I’ve been telling him what they think of him at the club.

Mrs Pearson confirms and tells her how she told him about what they said about him at the club.

MRS FITZGERALD: Well, they think a lot of him, don’t they?

Mrs Fitzgerald, unaware of the truth and naturally innocent, believes they thought highly of him.

MRS PEARSON: No, they don’t. And now he knows it.

Mrs Pearson responds that Mrs Fitzgerald is mistaken, and that George now knows the truth as well.

MRS FITZGERALD: [nervously] Oh —dear —I wish you hadn’t, Mrs Fitzgerald…

Mrs Fitzgerald, being the nice person that she is, did not want George's feelings to be hurt and expresses regret that Mrs Pearson did this.

MRS PEARSON: Nonsense! Doing ’em all a world of good. And they’ll be eating out of your hand soon— you’ll see…

• Eating out of your hand- be submissive

Mrs Pearson tells her that she has done her good and that the results will be visible soon. Everyone will begin to respect and obey her.

MRS FITZGERALD: I don’t think I want them eating out of my hand…

Mrs Fitzgerald tells Mrs Pearson that she does not want to be manipulative or domineering, and that she does not want them to be submissive.

MRS PEARSON: [impatiently] Well, whatever you want, they’ll be doing it — all three of ’em. Mark my words, Mrs Pearson.

She responds, somewhat irritably, that this is happening whether she wants it to or not.

[George enters left glumly. He is unpleasantly surprised when he sees the visitor. He moves to the armchair left, sits down heavily and glumly lights his pipe. Then he looks from Mrs Pearson to Mrs Fitzgerald, who is regarding him anxiously.]

George enters the room with a sad expression on his face. He is displeased to see Mrs Fitzgerald. He sits in the armchair, lights his pipe, and smokes. He looks at the two women, and Mrs Fitzgerald looks at him with interest.

GEORGE: Just looked in for a minute, I suppose, Mrs Fitzgerald?

• Glumly- moody or unsociable attitude

George arrives on the scene in a terrible mood. He is also shocked by the presence of Mrs Fitzgerald in his home. While lighting his pipe, he notices Mrs Fitzgerald, who is looking at him awkwardly. He inquires, perplexed, if she is Mrs Fitzgerald.

MRS FITZGERALD: [who doesn’t know what she is saying] Well —yes—I suppose so, George.

Mrs Fitzgerald, unsure what to say, responds awkwardly while greeting him by his name.

GEORGE: [aghast] George!

He is shocked when he hears Mrs Fitzgerald address him by name.

MRS FITZGERALD: [nervously] Oh —I’m sorry…

She becomes nervous and apologises for calling him by his first name.

MRS PEARSON: [impatiently] What does it matter? Your name’s George, isn’t it? Who d’you think you are— Duke of Edinburgh?

Mrs Pearson quickly intervenes and tells George that it doesn't matter if she calls him by his name. He is not some Duke of Edinburgh who is not supposed to be addressed by his given name and does not deserve the honour.

GEORGE: [angrily] What’s he got to do with it? Just tell me that. And isn’t it bad enough without her calling me George? No tea. Pompy-ompy Pearson. And poor Doris has been crying her eyes out upstairs—yes, crying her eyes out.

George loses her calm and points out that bringing in the Duke of Edinburgh in the middle of this conversation is ridiculous. He goes on to say that Mrs Fitzgerald calling him by his name is pointless because the situation is already terrible. There is no tea available, and he is being yelled at at the club. Not to mention Doris, who is constantly crying.

MRS FITZGERALD: [wailing] Oh— dear — I ought to have known…

Mrs Fitzgerald (actually Mrs Pearson) interrupts immediately and expresses concern for Mrs Pearson's family. When she saw her family in distress, the real Mrs Pearson forgot she was in the body of Mrs Fitzgerald. As a result, she speaks up.

GEORGE: [staring at her, annoyed] You ought to have known! Why ought you to have known? Nothing to do with you, Mrs Fitzgerald. Look —we’re at sixes and sevens here just now —so perhaps you’ll excuse us…

• At sixes and sevens- in a state of total confusion and disarray

George is now irritated with Mrs Fitzgerald for being overly concerned and acting as if it is her own family's problem. He believes she is trying to interfere in his family matters. He tells her to leave their house and let them deal with their problems on their own.

MRS PEARSON: [before Mrs Fitzgerald can reply] I won’t excuse you, George Pearson. Next time a friend and neighbour comes to see me, just say something when you see her—Good evening or How d’you do? or something— an’ don’t just march in an’ sit down without a word. It’s bad manners…

Mrs Pearson steps in and criticises George for being so rude and disrespectful. She tells him to be more polite the next time an acquaintance pays her a visit instead of barging in and sitting without greeting them.

MRS FITZGERALD: [nervously] No—it’s all right…

Mrs Fitzgerald is awkward in this situation and tells Mrs Pearson that she doesn't mind George's behaviour.

MRS PEARSON: No, it isn’t all right. We’ll have some decent manners in this house—or I’ll know the reason why. [glaring at George] Well?

Mrs Pearson declares that this is not how things will be in her home, and that her family must be disciplined and respectful.

GEORGE: [intimidated] Well, what!

George is terrified and acts as if he doesn't understand what's going on. He asks that she repeat what she said.

MRS PEARSON: [taunting him] Why don’t you get off to your club? Special night tonight, isn’t it? They’ll be waiting for you— wanting to have a good laugh. Go on then. Don’t disappoint ’em.

Mrs Pearson responds in a mocking tone, asking George to the club for that special night. She advises him to hurry because his friends will be waiting for him. He must not let them down.

GEORGE: [bitterly] That’s right. Make me look silly in front of her now! Go on —don’t mind me. Sixes and sevens! Poor Doris been crying her eyes out! Getting the neighbours in to see the fun! [suddenly losing his temper, glaring at Mrs Pearson, and shouting] All right— let her hear it. What’s the matter with you? Have you gone barmy—or what?

• Barmy- mad; crazy

Mrs Pearson is right, as per George. While laughing at him in front of the neighbours, he asks her to proceed and not mind his presence. During this process, he loses his temper and begins shouting about Doris crying. Then he asks as to what was wrong with her, if she had gone insane.

MRS PEARSON: [jumping up; savagely] If you shout at me again like that, George Pearson, I’ll slap your big, fat, silly face…

Mrs Pearson leaps to her feet and reacts immediately. She threatens to slap his big, fat face if he ever uses this tone and voice with her again.

MRS FITZGERALD: [moaning] Oh —no—no—no—please, Mrs Fitzgerald… [Mrs Pearson sits.]

Mrs Fitzgerald tries to calm down Mrs Pearson and accidentally calls her 'Mrs Fitzgerald' in the process. Mrs Pearson finally takes a seat.

GEORGE: [staring at her, bewildered] Either I’m off my chump or you two are. How d’you mean — “No, no— please, Mrs Fitzgerald”? Look — you’re Mrs Fitzgerald. So why are you telling yourself to stop when you’re not doing anything? Tell her to stop —then there’d be some sense in it. [Staring at Mrs Pearson] I think you must be tiddly.

• Tiddly- slightly drunk

George is taken aback by this and wonders if it is him who is out of his mind or Mrs Fitzgerald and Mrs Pearson, who have been acting strangely. He doesn't understand why she addressed her as Mrs Fitzgerald, rather than by her given name. Mistakes like that are uncommon. He thinks it's strange that she's telling herself to stop doing something she shouldn't be doing in the first place. He believes it would make more sense if she would stop Mrs Pearson.

MRS PEARSON: [starting up; savagely] Say that again, George Pearson.

Mrs Pearson becomes enraged once more and challenges George to repeat his words.

GEORGE: [intimidated] All right— all right—all right …

George is frightened but accepts.

[Doris enters left slowly, looking miserable. She is still wearing the wrap. Mrs Pearson sits on the settee.]

Doris makes a slow entrance from the left side. She appears to be depressed. She's got the wrap on. Mrs. Pearson has taken a seat on the settee.

MRS FITZGERALD: Hello— Doris dear!

Mrs Fitzgerald greets Doris politely as she enters with a pale face and a different expression than before.

DORIS: [miserably] Hello— Mrs Fitzgerald!

Even though she is in a bad mood, she greets her back.

MRS FITZGERALD: I thought you were going out with Charlie Spence tonight.

Mrs Fitzgerald, who has forgotten who she is, asks Doris about her plan with Charlie Spence.

DORIS: [annoyed] What’s that to do with you?

Doris, who is already irritated, responds angrily and asks Mrs Fitzgerald why she is so concerned about her plans.

MRS PEARSON: [sharply] Stop that!

Mrs Pearson interrupts and stops Doris from behaving in that manner in order to continue what she has been doing all day.

MRS FITZGERALD: [nervously] No—its all right…

Mrs Fitzgerald tells her that Doris' behaviour is acceptable.

MRS PEARSON: [severely] It isn’t all right. I won’t have a daughter of mine talking to anybody like that. Now answer Mrs Fitzgerald properly, Doris— or go upstairs again… [Doris looks wonderingly at her father.]

Mrs Pearson tells Mrs Fitzgerald that Doris' behaviour will not be tolerated in her home and instructs her to properly respond to Mrs Fitzgerald. Doris is shocked by her response and looks at her father in disbelief.

GEORGE: [in despair] Don’t look at me. I give it up. I just give it up.

George, having given up hope on Mrs Pearson, tells Doris that he, too, cannot make things better. He has given up on dealing with it and believes it has gotten out of his hands.

MRS PEARSON: [fiercely] Well? Answer her.

Mrs Pearson, stern on her stance, orders Doris to properly respond to Mrs Fitzgerald.

DORIS: [sulkily] I was going out with Charlie Spence tonight— but now I’ve called it off…

Doris succumbs and replies to Mrs Fitzgerald, telling her that she has cancelled her plans for the night with Charlie Spence.

MRS FITZGERALD: Oh —what a pity, dear! Why have you?

Mrs Fitzgerald becomes concerned and asks as to the reason for the cancellation.

DORIS: [with a flash of temper] Because —if you must know —my mother’s been going on at me making me feel miserable —an’ saying he’s got buck-teeth and is half-witted…

Doris, enraged once more, begins telling Mrs Fitzgerald about how her mother, Mrs Pearson, had been acting all day. Mrs Pearson, she says, had been making her feel bad about Charlie by making comments about his appearance and intelligence.

MRS FITZGERALD: [rather bolder; to Mrs Pearson] Oh — you shouldn’t have said that…

Mrs Fitzgerald becomes a little more daring when she decides to take a stand against Mrs Pearson.

MRS PEARSON: [sharply] Mrs Fitzgerald, I’ll manage my family—you manage yours.

Mrs Pearson tells Mrs Fitzgerald to stay out of her family's business and focus on her own.

GEORGE: [grimly] Ticking her off now, are you, Annie?

George storms in and asks Mrs Pearson if she will act in a manner with Mrs Fitzgerald.

MRS PEARSON: [even more grimly] They’re waiting for you at the club, George, don’t forget. And don’t you start crying again, Doris…

Mrs Pearson responds quickly to George, telling him that his friends must be waiting for him at the club. Doris is warned not to cry again.

MRS FITZGERALD: [getting up; with sudden decision] That’s enough —quite enough. [George and Doris stare at her bewildered.]
[to George and Doris] Now listen, you two. I want to have a private little talk with Mrs Fitz —[she corrects herself hastily] with Mrs Pearson, so I’ll be obliged if you’ll leave us alone for a few minutes. I’ll let you know when we’ve finished. Go on, please. I promise you that you won’t regret it. There’s something here that only I can deal with.

Mrs Fitzgerald finally decides to take a stand and tells George and Doris to leave them alone so they can talk privately; in the process, she was about to call her incorrectly again, but she manages the situation. She assures them that she is the only one who can handle the situation and that it would be in their best interests to give both of them some alone time.

GEORGE: [rising] I’m glad somebody can—’cos I can’t. Come on, Doris. [George and Doris exit left. As they go Mrs Fitzgerald moves to left of the small table and sits. She eagerly beckons Mrs Pearson to do the same thing.]

• Beckons- making a gesture with the hand, arm or head to encourage or instruct someone to approach or follow

George expresses relief that at least someone can handle the situation because he knows he can't. They both leave the scene, and the real Mrs Pearson walks over to a table, expecting Mrs Fitzgerald to do the same.

MRS FITZGERALD: Mrs Fitzgerald, we must change back now— we really must…

She tells Mrs Pearson that it is time for them to revert to their original positions.

MRS PEARSON: [rising] Why?

Mrs. Pearson inquires as to why they should reverse their positions.

MRS FITZGERALD: Because this has gone far enough. I can see they’re all miserable— and I can’t bear it…

She tells Mrs Pearson that things have gone far beyond her wildest imaginings. She knows her family is in danger, and she can't stand it. As a result, she wishes for them to revert to their original selves.

MRS PEARSON: A bit more of the same would do ‘em good. Making a great difference already… [She moves to right of the table and sits.]

As she moves to the other side of the table, she tells Mrs Fitzgerald that it would be better if they could taste the medicine for a little longer. She tells her that while much progress has already been made, a little more effort would go a long way.

MRS FITZGERALD: No, I can’t stand any more of it—I really can’t. We must change back. Hurry up, please, Mrs Fitzgerald.

She holds her point of view and wishes to return to it. She instructs her to move quickly.

MRS PEARSON: Well —if you insist…

MRS FITZGERALD: Yes—I do—please— please. [She stretches her hands across the table eagerly. Mrs Pearson takes them.]

Mrs Fitzgerald (actually Mrs Pearson) is eager to undo the trick, so she extends her arm to hold hands with Mrs Pearson. Mrs Pearson extends her hands forward as well.

MRS PEARSON: Quiet now. Relax. [Mrs Pearson and Mrs Fitzgerald stare at each other. Muttering; exactly as before. Arshtatta dum —arshtatta lam — arshtatta lamdumbona… They carry out the same action as before, going lax and then coming to life. But this time, of course, they become their proper personalities.]

Mrs Pearson requests that Mrs Fitzgerald remain silent for a few moments while she performs the magic trick. They go through the same procedure, and the real Mrs Fitzgerald says the same words. The transition is now complete and successful, as it was before, with the only difference being that they have returned to their natural bodies. They are now both in their own bodies.

MRS FITZGERALD: Ah well —I enjoyed that.

Mrs Fitzgerald, who got to play Mrs Pearson, says she had a good time during the process.

MRS PEARSON: I didn’t.

Mrs Pearson, who had to endure the pain and anguish of witnessing her family's misbehaviour, clearly did not have a good time.

MRS FITZGERALD: Well, you ought to have done. Now —listen, Mrs Pearson. Don’t go soft on ’em again, else it’ll all have been wasted…

Mrs Fitzgerald warns Mrs Pearson not to be too easy on them again, or all her efforts will be for useless.

MRS PEARSON: I’ll try not to, Mrs Fitzgerald.

She responds that she will give it her all.

MRS FITZGERALD: They’ve not had as long as I’d like to have given ’em — another hour or two’s rough treatment might have made it certain…

She says that the time she had available was insufficient because an hour and a half of the same treatment would leave a lasting impression.

MRS PEARSON: I’m sure they’ll do better now — though I don’t know how I’m going to explain…

Mrs Pearson informs her that she is confident that something will change. The only thing she is unsure of is how she will clarify things.

MRS FITZGERALD: [severely] Don’t you start any explaining or apologising—or you’re done for.

She warns her not to keep apologising for the treatment because it will undo all of her hard work.

MRS PEARSON: [with spirit] It’s all right for you, Mrs Fitzgerald. After all, they aren’t your husband and children…

Mrs Pearson intervenes, stating that Mrs Fitzgerald is free to say whatever she wants because this isn't her family.

MRS FITZGERALD: [impressively] Now you listen to me. You admitted yourself you were spoiling ’em — and they didn’t appreciate you. Any apologies—any explanations—an’ you’ll be straight back where you were. I’m warning you, dear. Just give ’em a look —a tone of voice—now an’ again, to suggest you might be tough with ’em if you wanted to be—an’ it ought to work. Anyhow, we can test it.

Mrs Fitzgerald informs her that Mrs Pearson accepted that they are spoiled brats who don't appreciate her. Mrs Pearson even expressed a desire for things to improve. As a result, Mrs Fitzgerald emphasises once more that any apology would return them to being rude to her. She even goes so far as to say that being dominant once in a while will keep them on track. Mrs Pearson, she says, can even put this to the test.

MRS PEARSON: How?

Mrs Pearson asks of Mrs Fitzgerald how they can put whatever she says to the test.

MRS FITZGERALD: Well, what is it you’d like ’em to do that they don’t do? Stop at home for once?

Mrs Fitzgerald asks her to name one thing she is hesitant to do, but Mrs Pearson insists on it. Staying at home, for example, once in a while.

MRS PEARSON: Yes—and give me a hand with supper…

She also requests that they assist her in preparing the evening meal.

MRS FITZGERALD: Anything you’d like ’em to do —that you enjoy whether they do or not?

She then asks if there is anything she enjoys doing, regardless of whether they enjoy doing it or not.

MRS PEARSON: [hesitating] Well—yes. I—like a nice game of rummy —but, of course, I hardly ever have one—except at Christmas…

• Rummy- a card game

Mrs Pearson hesitates at first, but then tells Mrs Fitzgerald that she enjoys playing rummy, but that she only gets to do so during the Christmas.

 MRS FITZGERALD: [getting up] That’ll do then. [She moves towards the door left then turns] But remember — keep firm — or you’ve had it. [She opens the door. Calling] Hoy! You can come in now. [Coming away from the door, and moving right slightly. Quietly] But remember —remember —a firm hand. [George, Doris and Cyril file in through the doorway, looking apprehensively at Mrs Pearson.] I’m just off. To let you enjoy yourself [The family looks anxiously at Mrs Pearson, who smiles. Much relieved, they smile back at her.]

As she walks towards the door, she emphasises the importance of Mrs Pearson being a little strict. Mrs Pearson then invites George, Cyril, and Doris inside before leaving. Mrs Pearson smiles at her family, who all return her smile.

DORIS: [anxiously] Yes, Mother?

Doris is the first to speak up, and she is a little nervous.

MRS PEARSON: [smiling] Seeing that you don’t want to go out, I tell you what I thought we’d do.

She says, still smiling, that she knows exactly what they should do because they aren't going out.

MRS FITZGERALD: [giving a final warning] Remember!

Mrs Fitzgerald reminds Mrs Pearson once more as she walks away!

MRS PEARSON: [nodding, then looking sharply at the family] No objections, I hope?

Mrs Pearson nods, attempting to demonstrate that she remembers what Mrs Fitzgerald has told her. She then asks if her family has any objections.

GEORGE: [humbly] No, Mother —whatever you say…

He says politely that they have no objections and are willing to do whatever she says.

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…

She politely tells them that she wishes to play rummy with them and that she would like the children to assist her in cooking supper so that she can talk with George.

GEORGE: [firmly] Suits me. [He looks challengingly at the children.] What about you two?

George agrees, but with a testy look at his children, he asks about their thoughts.

CYRIL: [hastily] Yes— that’s all right.

• Hastily- with excessive speed or urgency; speedily

Cyril agrees right away.

DORIS: [hesitating] Well —I…

Doris pauses for a moment.

MRS PEARSON: [sharply] What? Speak up!

Mrs Pearson speaks up and asks Doris boldly.

DORIS: [hastily] Oh —I think it would be lovely…

Doris also agrees immediately.

MRS PEARSON: [smiling] Good-bye, Mrs Fitzgerald. Come again soon.

Mrs Pearson smiles as she pays Mrs Fitzgerald goodbye.

MRS FITZGERALD: Yes, dear. ’Night all —have a nice time.

[Mrs Fitzgerald exits left and the family cluster round Mother as the curtain falls.

As Mrs Fitzgerald walks out, the family gathers around the lady of the house, and the curtain falls.

About the Author

John Boynton Priestley, OM (13 September 1894 – 14 August 1984) was a novelist, playwright, screenwriter, broadcaster, and social commentator from England. His Yorkshire upbringing is reflected in much of his fiction, most notably in The Good Companions (1929), which launched his career.