NCERT Class 11 English Snapshots Suppl.Reader English: Chapter 3 — Mother’s Day
This chapter, "Mother's Day" by J.B. Priestley, is a humorous play depicting the often-underappreciated status of mothers within families. It introduces Mrs. Annie Pearson, a pleasant but worried woman, and her neighbor, Mrs. Fitzgerald, a stronger, older fortune-teller. The play is set in the Pearsons' suburban living room. The narrative begins as Mrs. Fitzgerald reads Mrs. Pearson's fortune, suggesting that the outcome depends on Mrs. Pearson's own decisions. The chapter sets the stage for Mrs. Pearson's family's reaction when she attempts to assert her rights and gain recognition for her contributions. This lesson explores themes of family dynamics, maternal roles, and self-assertion, crucial for understanding social relationships and personal empowerment in CBSE English studies.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Snapshots Suppl.Reader English |
| Chapter | Chapter 3 — Mother’s Day |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 386 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the social dynamics and roles within a family.
- Analyze the portrayal of a mother's position and her struggle for recognition.
- Appreciate the use of humor in addressing serious social issues.
- Develop critical thinking skills to interpret character motivations and plot development.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| portrayal | the act of acting or describing someone or something in a particular way |
| humorous | causing laughter or amusement |
| suburban | relating to a town or district outside a city, but connected to it |
| villa | a large country house with an ornamental garden |
| fortune-teller | a person who claims to be able to predict the future |
| sinister | giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen |
| flurried | in a state of agitated confusion |
| obliged | indebted or grateful |
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Practice questions
- What is the main theme of the play 'Mother's Day' as introduced? Answer: The play humorously portrays the status of the mother in a family.
- Who are the main characters introduced at the beginning of the play? Answer: The main characters are Mrs. Annie Pearson and Mrs. Fitzgerald.
- Where does the action of the play take place? Answer: The action takes place in the living-room of the Pearsons' house in a London suburb.
- What is Mrs. Fitzgerald's role in the initial scene? Answer: Mrs. Fitzgerald is a fortune-teller who is reading Mrs. Pearson's fortune.
Frequently asked questions
What is the title of Chapter 3 in the NCERT Class 11 English Snapshots book?
The title of Chapter 3 is 'Mother's Day'.
Who is the author of the play 'Mother's Day'?
The author of the play is J.B. Priestley.
What is the central theme introduced in the chapter?
The chapter introduces a humorous portrayal of the status of the mother in a family.
Who are the two main characters present at the beginning of the play?
The two main characters are Mrs. Annie Pearson and Mrs. Fitzgerald.
Where is the Pearsons' house located?
The Pearsons' house is located in a London suburb.
What is Mrs. Fitzgerald doing at the start of the play?
Mrs. Fitzgerald is telling Mrs. Pearson's fortune using cards.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 11 English — Snapshots Suppl.Reader English — Chapter 3 — Mother’s Day. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.