Mother’s Day, Explanation, Line by Line, Meaning of Difficult Words, English CBSE Class 11 NCERT Snapshot Chapter 5

 Mother’s Day, Explanation, Line by Line, Meaning of Difficult Words, English CBSE Class 11 NCERT Snapshot Chapter 5

MOTHER’S DAY

(Explanation and Meaning of difficult words)

Author – J. B. Priestley

 

Word	Meaning
Pearson’s	Pearson family
Suburb	Area just outside urban area

The action of the act is in living room of house of Pearson family. The house is situated in suburban area of London city. Period of the action is present time.

 

Word	Meaning
Comfortably furnished	Having comfortable furniture
Much lived-in room	Homely, Used since long time
Semi detached	Not fully independent, Some wall is common
Villa	Bungalow

It is afternoon time. The scene is of living room of Pearson family. Furniture in the living room is comfortable. It appears that it is being used since long time. The house is a bungalow that is not fully independent.

 

 

 

If required only one door can be used. But this house has two doors. The door on the left side leads to front door and stairs. The second door is on the right side. It leads to kitchen and the back door of the house.

 

 

Word	Meaning
Muslin	A type of cotton cloth
Fireplace	The place for heating the room

Windows on the left side of the wall are covered with curtains of muslin. Probably right side windows also have curtains. The fireplace is along the fourth side wall of the room.

 

 

 

Word	Meaning
Settee	Sofa, Couch, Divan
Armchair	Chair with arms

A sofa has been placed in the room. An armchair on left of it and another on right of it. At the centre of the room a small table and two chairs are placed. When curtain rises, one can see that it is afternoon of autumn season and the room has sufficient light.

 

 

Word	Meaning
Saucers	Plate
Fortune	Luck

At the table Mrs. Pearson is sitting on the right and Mrs. Fitzgerald on the left side. They are sitting opposite to each other. On the table two cups and two saucers are lying. A pack of cards is also on the table. Mrs. Fitzgerald has been using these cards to predict fortune of Mrs. Pearson.

 

Word	Meaning
Heavier	More fatty
Sinister	Inauspicious, Wicked

Mrs. Pearson has attractive personality. But she is looking very much worried. She is above 40 but less than 50. Mrs. Fitzgerald is older, more fatty and stronger than Mrs. Pearson. She has an inauspicious personality. She is smoking.

 

Word	Meaning
Sharply contrasting	Clearly different
Flurried	Nervous, Agitated
Cockney	Name of a language
Irish	Of or belonging to Ireland

It is important that these two ladies should have clearly different voices. Mrs. Person is speaking is a soft and nervous type of tone. She is using words and style of Cockney language also. Mrs. Fitzgerald has a heavy voice. Her accent is probably of Irish language.

 

 

Word	Meaning
Make up your mind	Decide yourself

Mrs. Fitzgerald collects all the cards. She tells Mrs. Pearson that she may have good fortune or she may have bad fortune. It will depend of Mrs. Pearson herself. And finally you need to decide.

 

Word	Meaning
Obliged	Thankful
Living next door	Living in neighbourhood

Mrs. Pearson thanks Mrs. Fitzgerald. I am certainly thankful to you. It is very nice that a fortune teller lives in the neighbourhood. She asks Mrs. Fitzgerald if she knows Eastern method (Asian method) of fortune reading.

 

Word	Meaning
Make up the mind	To decide
Put your foot down	Use authority to stop something To refuse to accept something
Mistress	Lady owner
Once and for all	Finally, Conclusively

She replies that she had learnt it about 12 years ago. At that time her husband was promoted to Lieutenant Quartermaster. They both had learnt about the Eastern method. But Mrs. Pearson, now you need to finally take a decision to be owner of your own house and be the boss of your own family.

 

 

 

Word	Meaning
Apologetically	Feeling sorry, Feeling regret
Easier said than done	Difficult to do
Besides	Apart from, Additionally
Thoughtless	Not caring
Selfish	Caring about one self only

Mrs. Pearson smiled while feeling sorry. She said that it was difficult to do. I like them so much. Although they do not care about me. They care about themselves only.

 

Word	Meaning
Cutting in	Speaking before other has stopped speaking
it’ud be	it would be
Treat	Behave with

Mrs. Fitzgerald starts speaking even before Mrs. Pearson had stopped speaking. She says that it would be better if people started behaving in a better manner with Mrs. Pearson.

 

Word	Meaning
Grown man	Grown up person
Spoilt	One with bad habits
Lad	Boy
Run after them	Serve them

Mrs. Fitzgerald continues to advise Mrs. Pearson. She says nobody should have bad habits. Neither a grown up man nor a boy nor a girl. It is not correct for you to serve them all the time. You should not obey their orders. You are not their servant. They go out of the house even during night to enjoy and you stay at home. You should not do this anytime during your life time.

 

 

 

Word	Meaning
Ruin of them	Bad on their part
Treating them like dirt	Behaving badly

Mrs. Fitzgerald continues to advise Mrs. Pearson. It is bad on their part and on your part also. People should not be giving orders to lady of the house. They should behave with her nicely. You also know about it. I have understood more than what you have told me.

 

 

Word	Meaning
Dubiously	Hesitantly, With a feeling of doubt
Keep dropping a hint	Go on giving a hint

Mrs. Pearson tells with hesitation that she always given them a hint. Mrs. Fitzgerald says that her family needs something more than a hint.

 

Word	Meaning
Unpleasantness	Unfriendliness, Not cordial
To have it out	Discuss to solve a problem
Good gracious	Words of exclamation or surprise
Glance	A quick look

Mrs. Pearson tells with hesitation that she does not like the unfriendly behaviour towards her. Many times she had decided to resolve the situation. But she did not know how to start the discussion. She looks at the watch and says with exclamation that they are about to come home. Nothing is ready. They may be in hurry to go out again. She is about get up from her chair. But Mrs. Fitzgerald walks to the other side of the table and forces her to sit down.

 

 

 

Word	Meaning
Look after	Take care
For once	On one occasion

Mrs. Fitzgerald advises Mrs. Pearson that they (family members of Mrs. Pearson) should wait. They should take care of themselves. This is how you should start using your authority from right now. Mrs. Fitzgerald lights another cigarette from the cigarette she was smoking.

 

 

Word	Meaning
Embarrassed	Felt shy
Trying to make me	Force me to behave in a particular way

Mrs. Pearson is feeling shy. She tells that although advice of Mrs. Fitzgerald is good. Mrs. Pearson actually agrees with Mrs. Fitzgerald. But Mrs. Pearson says that she cannot implement the advice. Please do not force me. I cannot make promise to have a discussion with them to resolve the situation. Because I will not be able to maintain that promise.

Mrs. Fitzgerald says that she can do it on behalf Mrs. Pearson.

 

Word	Meaning
Flustered	Confused, Agitated
Resent	Dislike

Mrs. Pearson gets slightly agitated and tells Mrs. Fitzgerald not to do it on her behalf. She says that this will not help her. Her family members will not like it and they will not accept it. She needs to do it herself. With a feeling of regret she looks across the table towards Mrs. Fitzgerald. Mrs. Pearson is trying to smile but she is not looking good.

 

 

 

Word	Meaning
Bewildered	Surprised

Mrs. Fitzgerald says that Mrs. Pearson has not understood. Mrs. Pearson is surprised and says that Mrs. Fitzgerald had asked her to do the discussion. Mrs. Fitzgerald says that she would do the discussion as if she were Mrs. Pearson. They would exchange the places. They look like each other.

 

Mrs. Pearson says that it is impossible. Mrs. Fitzgerald asks if Mrs. Pearson had ever tried it. She says that she had never tried it.

 

Mrs. Fitzgerald calmly says that she had tried it. It does not work for a long time but it works for some short time. And that time will be sufficient to execute our planning. I have learnt that trick from the eastern countries. It is used quite often there. [She holds her hand across the table. The cigarette is in her mouth. ] She requests Mrs. Pearson to touch her hands.

 

 

Mrs. Pearson has a doubt id it will work. Mrs. Fitzgerald says that it was the only opportunity for Mrs. Pearson. She tells her not to think about anything else. She take hands of Mrs. Pearson in her own hand. They look at each other. Mrs. Fitzgerald says some words in unclear voice.

 

Word	Meaning
Spell	Mantra,
Lax	Loose
Mannerism	Behaviour
Fluttering	Shy, Timid, fearful

This scene should be done carefully. We assume that personalities can move from one body to another body. After the mantra has been spoken, both women are holding hands. Their body become loose as if it does not have life. Soon their bodies start moving. Their personality has changed. Each should be able to adopt personality of other. Now Mrs. Pearson is bold and authoritative. Mrs. Fitzgerald has become nervous and fearful.

 

Word	Meaning
Snatch	Pull forcefully and quickly
Puffing	Pull air repeatedly
Contentedly	With satisfaction
Scream	Shout
Fright	Fear

Mrs. Pearson now has personality of Mrs. Fitzgerald. She notices the cigarette. She pulls it away from lips of Mrs. Fitzgerald and she starts smoking. Mrs. Fitzgerald now has personality of Mrs. Pearson. She looks at herself and shouts because of fear.

 

Word	Meaning
Complacently	With satisfaction

Mrs. Fitzgerald says that change in personality has occurred. Mrs Pearson is satisfied and says that it has happened. She wonders that she had such a personality in her. Mrs. Fitzgerald is careful. She says what she should do now. Because George and children will not be able to accept her new personality. Mrs. Pearson says with a sad tone that they will not be able to notice this change. Because they will have to deal with her.

 

Word	Meaning
Alarmed	Worried
Terrible	Very bad

But Mrs. Fitzgerald is still worried. She says what will happen if she is not able to change back to her original personality. It will be very bad. Mrs. Pearson asks her to remain calm. Mrs. Pearson says that even Mrs. Fitzgerald had to lead her life, it would be quite good. You will have good fun. But Mrs. Fitzgerald does not want to have personality of any other person.

 

Mrs. Pearson advises Mrs. Fitzgerald not to worry. She says that it easier to change back to original. Mrs. Fitzgerald asks her to do now itself. But she refuses because she wanted to deal with the family of Mrs. Pearson. She does not know how to start. She says that she will demonstrate to Mrs. Pearson. Mrs. Fitzgerald asks what should she do now.

 

Word	Meaning
For a bit	For some time
Pop back	Come back
Get off	Go away
Chuckling	Laughing with making sound

Mrs. Pearson suggests Mrs. Fitzgerald to go to her house. She says nobody is there. She can comeback after some time to see how things are happening. You would surely enjoy it. It is better to go away now before anyone comes back to the house.

 

Word	Meaning
Left to herself	Being alone
Patience	Game of cards played by one person

Mrs. Fitzgerald crosses the room and quickly goes out of the left door. Now Mrs. Pearson is alone in the house. She lights a cigarette for herself. She spreads cards on the table to play patience. Her daughter comes quickly from left door. She is a beautiful girl in twenties. She would be a nice girl if she did not have bad habits.

 

Word	Meaning
Take anything in	Completely understand
Astounded	Greatly surprised
Incisive	Sharp, Crisp

Doris does not understand everything immediately. She asks her mother to iron out her yellow silk dress. She wants to wear it during the same night. Now she sees what is happening. She is greatly surprised. She moves to the centre of the room and asks her mother what she is doing.

[Mrs. Pearson speaks in her normal voice. But the voice is not fearful or of feeling sorry. Her voice is calm and crisp.]

 

Mrs. Pearson does not even look at Doris. She replies that she is not doing white washing on the ceiling. Doris asks her mother with surprise that she was smoking. Her mother agrees and say that it not against the law. Doris says the she knew that her mother did not smoke.

 

Doris asks if they would tea in the kitchen. Mrs. Pearson replies that she can have wherever she wants. Doris asks does it mean that tea is not ready. Her mother replies that tea is not ready for Doris. Mrs. Pearson further says that she may go out of the house after some time to have dinner at hotel Clarendon.

 

Word	Meaning
Silly	Fool

Doris cannot believe what she heard. Mrs. Pearson confirms that she may go out of the house. Doris stares at her mother and enquires if something is wrong with her. Mrs. Pearson advises Doris not to behave like a fool.

 

Word	Meaning
Indignantly	Angrily

Doris angrily says that she is not behaving like a fool. It is too much that when I come home after working, and you do not care to keep tea ready for me. Have you heard what I said about my yellow silk dress? Mrs. Pearson replies that she has not heard about it. She does not like that dress. She asks if Doris does not like the dress.

 

Doris angrily says that she certainly likes that dress. She would wear it tonight. So she wants it be ironed. Mrs. Pearson replies that the dress will not iron by itself. . Doris replies that Mrs. Pearson should iron the dress because she always does.

 

Word	Meaning
Rubbish	Foolish
Put in	Devotes, Works
Wages	Salary

Mrs. Pearson says that this time she will not iron the dress. She advises Doris to not to talk foolish things like working hard. She knows how hard Doris works. She works for double the hours Doris works. And she does not get any salary for working. Mrs. Pearson asks Doris why she wants to wear yellow silk dress. Where she wants to go.

 

Word	Meaning
Sulkily	With annoyance, Unpleasantly
Go on	Continue
Wildly	With lot of anger

In an unpleasant manner Doris replies that she is going out with Charlie Spence. Probably Charlie is her boyfriend. Mrs. Pearson asks her why she is going. Doris becomes very angry. She asks what problem Mrs. Pearson is having. If he asks me and I want to go with him, I will go. You should not object. You may continue to say whatever you want to.

 

Word	Meaning
Severely	Harshly,
Buck teeth	Projected upper teeth
Half witted	Unintelligent, Stupid
Give up as a bad job	Stop making efforts

Mrs. Pearson harshly says that Doris should find somebody better that Charlie. Even my dead body will not go with Charlie. His upper teeth are projecting outside his mouth. He is not intelligent.

Doris denies these statements. Mrs. Pearson says that at the age of Doris, she would find somebody better that Charlie. And if she could not find then she would stop making any efforts. She wants to say she will never become friend of Charlie.

Doris is about to cry. She asks her mother to keep quiet.

 

Word	Meaning
Chuckle	Laugh without making sound

Doris goes out of the room from left door. Mrs. Pearson laughs but does not make any sound. She starts collecting cards from the table. After some time Cyril Pearson enters the room. He is brother of Doris.

 

Word	Meaning
Briskly	Quickly
Off-colour	In a bad mood

Quickly Cyril says hello to her mom and asks if the tea is ready. Mrs. Persons replies it is not ready. Cyril is annoyed and asks why teas is not ready. Mrs. Pearson says she did not want to prepare tea. Cyril asks why she is in a bad mood. Mrs. Pearson says that it her best mood.

 

Word	Meaning
Aggressively	Forcefully, With hostility
Snap out of it	Come out of it, Stop doing it
Get cracking	Start working
Checks him	Stops him

Forcefully Cyril asks the reason of such behaviour . Mrs. Pearson says it is just for a change. Quickly Cyril asks to stop doing that and to start working. He says that he does not have much time.

Cyril is about to go out but stops after listening to the voice of his mother.

 

Word	Meaning
Put my thing out	Bring clothes out of box or cupboard

Mrs. Pearson declares that she has lot of time.Cyril says that he does not have much time. He is busy during the night. He asks if she has taken out his clothes. Calmly she says I do not remember. Probably I have not done.

 

Word	Meaning
Protesting	Objecting
Mending	Repairing

Cyril comes near the table. In a tone of objection he says that in the morning she had agreed to do it. She had also said that she would check if any repairing was to be done in those clothes.

Mrs. Pearson says that now she has decided that she does like repairing clothes.

Cyril says that it is not the right way of talking. What will happen if we all start talking this way?

 

Word	Meaning
Bar	To stop
Movement	Action

Mrs. Pearson says that you all talk like that. If you do not want to do anything at home, you do not do it. If you do not want to do anything in the office, you take help of Union to stop that work. Now I have also started taking such actions.

 

Word	Meaning
Staggered	Unsteady
Laconic	Brief, Speaking less
Sinister	Wicked, Clever
Wrap	A loose outer garment

Unsteadily Cyril asks his mother that he has not understood her behaviour. He asks what is happening. In very few words and cleverly she replies – change.

Doris enter from left of the room. She is getting ready. She is wearing a cover on her body. She is looking yellowish and her eyes are red.

 

Word	Meaning
Wear that face	Show emotions on the face, Expression
Never you mind	You should not bother about it

Mrs. Pearson told Doris that she was looking unpleasant. She would not have that type of expressions even for Charlie Spence.

Doris come near the table and speaks angrily. She advises her mother to not to talk about Charlie. I am not yet ready. I am wearing my clothes. I cried because of you so I am looking bad.

Cyril wants to know what their mother had done. Doris tells Cyril not to bother about it.

 

Word	Meaning
Stout	A kind of beer
Clot	Fool, Idiot

Mrs. Pearson gets up from her chair and starts going towards kitchen. She asks if some beer is available in the kitchen. She is not able to recollect. Cyril replies that one or two bottles may be available. He asks why she is asking about beer. Mrs Pearson looks back from the kitchen door and says it for drinking, you fool.

 

Word	Meaning
Instantly	Immediately, At once
Huddle	Come near

Mrs. Pearson goes out from the right door. Immediately Doris and Cyril come together and start talking quickly but in low voice.

They both confirm to each other that their mother had behaved differently to each of them. Doris says she thought that she had done something wrong. Cyril also thought so. But now he thinks that his mother is behaving differently.

 

Doris confirms that when she come into the house mother was smoking and playing cards. I could not believe that.

Cyril says that he had asked if her mood was off. But she denied it.

Doris says that suddenly mother is a different personality. I cried because of that. It was not because of what she said. But I cried because she said in a bad way and she was looking bad.

 

Word	Meaning
Barmy	Mad, Crazy, Silly
Concussion	Temporary damage to brain,
Far fetched	Unlikely, Doubtful

Cyril says he has not noticed any difference in his mom. She looks same to him.

Doris thinks that mother is behaving as if she has been hit on her head. Cyril asks if Doris thinks that mother has become mad.

Doris think that she is having concussions – a temporary damage to brain. Cyril thinks it is unlikely.

 

Word	Meaning
Giggle	Laugh in a low voice
Guffaw	A loud laugh
Front dress circle for the first house	Front row ticket for the first show of act

Doris says that behaviour of mother is very different and unexpected. Suddenly she starts laughing in a low voice. She wonders what will be the scene in house when their father comes home.

Cyril starts laughing loudly. He decides to stay at home. He thinks it would be as exciting as watching first show of an act or a movie.

 

Word	Meaning
Regards	Considers, Looks at
Contempt	Insult

Mrs. Pearson enters from the right side door. She is carrying a bottle of beer and a glass that is half filled. Cyril and Doris try  to control their laugh but they could not. Mrs. Pearson treats them insultingly.

Mrs Pearson tells them that they both always say they are grown up kids. They should try to behave according to their age. She is trying to tell them they are kids. She moves to settee and sits on it.

 

Cyril asks his mother if they cannot even laugh. Mrs. Pearson replied that they should laugh if something was funny. She ask them to make her laugh.

Doris says that mother could never understand their jokes.

Mrs. Pearson replies that she felt sleepy after listening to jokes of Doris.

Doris is once again about to cry. She asks her mom what wrong they have done. Why she is behaving with them in that manner.

 

Word	Meaning
Promptly	Immediately
A bit thick	Unfair

Mrs. Pearson says that they come to the house, ask for something and again go out. You come back again when you do not want to go anywhere else.

Cyril says to his mother that she has not prepared tea so he will go to kitchen and eat something.

Mrs. Pearson says that he should help himself. She keeps drinking beer.

Cyril says that mother should realise that it is very unfair to ask him to do work. Because he has been working through out the day.

 

Doris says that she also feels the way Cyril is feeling. Mrs. Pearson says that they have worked for eight hours. She has also completed eight hours of working. Cyril and Doris say that her working is different.

 

Word	Meaning
Alarmed	Surprised, Warned

Mrs. Pearson says that it used to be different. Now it will be same for all . 48 hours work per week. At the weekend I will take two days off – Saturday and Sunday I will not work.

[Doris and Cyril look at each other with surprise. Then they look at their mother. Mother is calmly looks at them.]

 

Cyril now wants to find something to eat to keep himself strong. He goes to kitchen.

Doris comes near settee. She is very anxious. She asks if mother would really not do any work on Saturday and Sunday.

Word	Meaning
Airily	Casually
I would not go that far	I will not do to that extent
Made a fuss of	Gave lot of attention
Waited on hand and foot	Serve somebody, Do everything for someone
Nasty	Unpleasant

Mrs Pearson calmly says that she will not go to that extent. She may take care of beds. She may even do cooking as a favour. Others will need to make a request to her and be thankful to her for whatever she does. They will need to pay a lot of attention to her. But any of you who believe in working for 48 hours in a week, should not expect that everything will be done for them. If you have such expectations, you might have an unpleasant surprise. I may not work during week-end.

 

Word	Meaning
Aghast	Shocked, Astounded, Greatly surprised

Doris is shocked to listen that her mother may take leave during week end days.

Mrs. Pearson says it would be a good change for herself. I have remained in the house for many days and weeks. I surely need a change.

Doris asks where she will go. With whom shall she go?

 

 

Word	Meaning
That is my business	That is my decision

Mrs. Pearson replies that she will decide on her own. Doris should not ask her such question because Doris never consults her mother. Doris says it is a different aspect.

Mrs. Pearson says that the only difference is that she is older. Therefore she can take better care of herself. So Doris should ask only about herself.

 

Doris asks if mother had fallen down or she hit herself with something.

Mrs. Pearson calmly replies – no. But if you ask me such a foolish question again, I will hit you with something. Doris stares at her mother. Her mouth is open. She is  about to start crying.

Doris says these words are really very bad. She starts crying. She is not crying loudly.

 

 

Word	Meaning
Blubbering	Crying

Mrs. Pearson calmly advises Doris to stop crying. You are not a kid. If you think you have grown up to be a friend of Charlie Spence, you should behave properly. She tells Doris to stop crying.

 

Word	Meaning
Solemn	Formal, Dignified
Pompous	Arrogant, Proud

George Pearson enters from left side of the room. His age is about 50. Basically he looks to be a nice person and a formal, proud person. He looks fat, a person who walks slowly. He sees that Doris is crying.

 

George asks Doris why she is crying. Doris replies that he will himself come to know.

[Doris goes out from the left side while crying. George looks at Doris then he looks at her wife Mrs. Pearson]

 

Word	Meaning
Sip	Swig
Bulge	Become large

George asks his wife if Doris said that I will come to know. Mrs. Pearson says yes. He wants to know its meaning. His wife advises to ask Doris.

[George notices that his wife is drinking beer. Mrs. Pearson raises the glass for another swig. George is surprised. His eyes become wide]

 

George asks why Mrs. Pearson is drinking beer. She replies that she likes drinking bear. George asks why she is drinking at this time of the day. His wife questions what is wrong about this time.

 

Word	Meaning
Bewildered	Greatly surprised, Astounded
Distaste	Dislike

George is greatly surprised. He addresses his wife as Annie. He says he had never seen her drinking beer. Mrs. Pearson replies that now he has seen her drinking.

He tells with lot of disliking that he does not like that she is drinking beer. I am surprised.

His wife says it should be a good change for him. She explains that after a long time he is getting surprised by her.

 

Word	Meaning
Steady	Stable, Fixed
Snooker	A type of game

George says that he does not like surprises. He likes a stable and fixed routine. She should have known about it by now. In the morning I forgot to tell you that I will not have tea. Tonight there is a special snooker match in the club. I will have dinner there. So I will not have tea.

 

Word	Meaning
Astonished	Surprised
Aggrieved	Became angry, Upset

Mrs Pearson informs that tea is not ready. George is surprised. He asks does it mean that she did not make tea. Mrs. Pearson says it was good that she did not make tea. George is upset. He asks suppose he wanted to have tea.

 

Word	Meaning
My goodness	A phrase for exclamation

Mrs Pearson is surprised. She say this person is annoyed because I did not make tea for him. But he did not want to have tea. She advises him to try such talk at the club.

George did not understand. So Mrs. Pearson explains. He should go the bar and tell that he does not want to have a beer. But be angry because the person at bar has not poured beer for him. What would the barman think about you.

 

Word	Meaning
Indignantly	Angrily

George says that he has not understood what she is taking. Mrs. Pearson says that people in the bar will laugh at you more. George says that people at bar do not laugh at me.

 

Word	Meaning
Standing joke	Permanent joker
Pompy-ompy	Fatty and slow

Mrs. Pearson says that they certainly laugh at George. You should have noticed this by now. You are their one of the permanent jokers. They call you fatty and slow Pearson. Because they think you are slow and fat.

 

Word	Meaning
It has always beaten me	I could never understand
Call someone names	Insult someone

I could never understand why you should be at club for such a long time. They always laugh at you behind your back. They insult you. Every night you leave your wife at home. You should go to club with your wife because she does not make you a fool.

 

Word	Meaning
Embarrassed	Felt shy

George call Cyril and tells him that many times they had gone to the club together. Do they call me Pomy-omphy Pearson? Cyril is feeling shy. He hesitates. George angrily asks Cyril to reply.

 

Cyril shyly tells his father that people at club do call him Pomy-omphy Pearson. George looks to other side. He is unsteady. George is feeling sorry about himself.

[George slowly leaves the room from left side. It looks as if somebody has hit him on his head. Cyril watches his dad. Then he angrily looks at his mother.]

 

Cyril tells his mother it was not good to tell these things to father. Feelings of father and mine both are hurt.

Mrs. Pearson says sometimes it is good for the people to hurt their feelings. They should know the truth. If your father does not go to club so often, they would probably stop laughing at him. Cyril expresses his doubt about it.

 

Word	Meaning
Severely	Harshly
Greyhound	A breed of dog

Mrs Pearson harshly tells Cyril that he may have doubts. But she thinks nobody is bothered about his opinion. You do not know anything. You spend so much of time and money on watching race of greyhound dogs, on dirty tracks and on ice shows.

In an unpleasant tone Cyril replies that he needs to find some method of enjoyment.

 

Mrs. Pearson says she will not be worried if Cyril was really enjoying. She thinks he is not enjoying. Is it helping you to progress in your life.

[The sound of a loud and repeated knock is heard on the left side door.]

 

Cyril says that somebody might have come to meet him.

[He goes to door in a hurry. He comes back and closes the door behind him]

He says it was the unpleasant old lady from our neighbourhood – Mrs Fitzgerald. I think you do not want her to come here.

 

Mrs. Pearson quickly replies that she wants to meet Mrs. Fitzgerald. She asks Cyril to bring her in. Do not call her an unpleasant woman. She is very nice woman. She has more wisdom than you can ever have.

 

Word	Meaning
Smacking	Making sound from lips
Ushers in	Escorts in

[Cyril goes out from left door. Mrs Pearson finishes her beer. She makes sound from her lips. Cyril comes back into the room. Mrs. Fitzgerald is with him. She hesitates and stops at the door way]

Mrs. Pearson request Mrs. Fitzgerald to come in.

 

Word	Meaning
Spoilt	Having bad habits
Piecan	A fool

Mrs Fitzgerald is anxious. She say that she is not sure if everything is all right. Cyril angrily say that it not all right. Mrs. Pearson harshly says that everything is all right. She asks Cyril to keep his mouth shut.

When Cyril objects Mrs. Pearson shouts at him. She asks him to obey his orders. She calls him an unintelligent young fool that has bad habits.

 

Word	Meaning
Severely	Harshly
Glowering	Annoyed
Stalks off	Walk angrily

Mrs. Fitzgerald nervously objects. Mrs. Pearson harshly tells Mrs. Fitzgerald to allow her to manage her family in her own style. Cyril is annoyed and angrily he walks towards kitchen.

 

Word	Meaning
Putting somebody in their place	To tell people that they are not so important
Ought	Should, Must
Beside	Near

Mrs. Fitzgerald comes near the settee and murmurs to Pearson – what is happening. Mrs. Pearson replies that nothing big has happened. She is trying to prove that other people are not as good as they think. I am doing what you should have done long ago.

Mrs. Fitzgerald asks if George is in the house.

 

Word	Meaning
Think a lot of someone	Think good about someone

Mrs. Pearson tells him that she has told him what people at club think about him. Mrs. Fitzgerald says people must be thinking good about him. Mrs. Pearson replies that people do not think good about George. Now he also knows about it. Mrs. Fitzgerald says that she should not have told him.

 

 

Word	Meaning
They will be eating out of your hand	They will obey you
Mark my words	Remember my words

Mrs. Pearson says to Mrs Fitzgerald that she is not saying right thing. My behaviour would be good for them. Very soon they will start obeying you. Mrs. Fitzgerald says that she does not want others to obey her. Mrs. Pearson says they will do whatever you want them to do. Remember my words.

 

Word	Meaning
Glumly	Depressed, Sad

George comes from left side. He is looking sad. He is surprised to see Mrs. Fitzgerald but he is not happy to see her. He sits in an armchair. He lights his pipe, he is looking sad. Then he looks at both ladies. Mrs. Fitzgerald is anxiously looking at him.

 

Word	Meaning
Look in	Come, Make a short visit
Aghast	Greatly surprised

George tells Mrs. Fitzgerald that probably she has come a minute before. Mrs. Fitzgerald says yes George. Now George is surprised. Mrs. Fitzgerald says sorry to him.

 

Word	Meaning
Crying her eyes out	She is crying a lot

Mrs. Pearson impatiently says to George that it does not matter. Your name is George so she called you George, You are certainly not the Duke of Edinburgh.

Angrily George says that Duke of Edinburgh has nothing to do with my name. And it is bad that she (Mrs. Fitzgerald) is addressing me as George. At upstairs, helpless Doris is crying a lot.

 

Word	Meaning
Wailing	Shouting as in pain
At sixes and sevens	Confused, In difficult situation

Mrs. Fitzgerald painfully says that she should have known Doris is crying.

George is annoyed at this statement. He says why she should have known about it. This has no relation with her. Mrs. Fitzgerald we are in a difficult situation. So I request you to leave this place.

 

Before Mrs. Fitzgerald could reply, Mrs. Pearson started speaking. She told that she will not grant pardon to George. Next time when my friend comes, you should greet them by saying good evening or how do you do. You should not come into the room and sit without speaking anything. It is bad manners.

 

Word	Meaning
Intimidated	Terrified

Mrs. Fitzgerald nervously says it is OK. (George not greeting her). Mrs. Pearson says that it is not correct. We should maintain good manners in the house. Or I should know the reason of not behaving correctly. She looks at George and says well! (She is challenging George.) George is now afraid.

 

Word	Meaning
Taunting	Insulting, Teasing, Saying sarcastically
Get off	Go

Mrs. Pearson insultingly tells George to go to his club. It is special night there. People will be waiting to laugh at you. Please do not disappoint them.

Word	Meaning
Bitterly	Harshly
Barmy	Mad

George harshly tells Mrs. Pearson that now she is making him look foolish in front of Mrs. Fitzgerald. You can continue to do so, I will not bother about it. You are a difficult person. helpless Doris is crying. And you have invited neighbours to have fun. Suddenly he gets angry. He glares at his wife and start shouting at his wife. Let the guest also hear it. What is the problem with you? Have you become mad?

 

Word	Meaning
Savagely	Aggressively
Moaning	Groaning,

Mrs. Pearson aggressively jumps up from her position. She tells her husband that if he shouts at her again, she will slap him on his face. Mrs. Fitzgerald starts groaning after listening these words.

 

Word	Meaning
Bewildered	Greatly surprised
Off one’s chump	To be silly or mad
Tiddly	Slightly drunk

George looks at his wife in amazement. He tells her that either he is silly or they both ladies are silly. But Mrs. Fitzgerald why are you telling yourself to stop. You have not done anything. If you ask Mrs. Pearson to stop talking in this manner it would be the right thing to do. He looks at his wife and says that she must be slightly drunk.

 

Mrs. Pearson speaks aggressively and asks George to repeat what he has said. George gets frightened. He says it is all right.

[Doris enters the room. She is still wearing that outer cover garment. Mrs, Pearson is sitting on settee]

Mrs. Fitzgerald and Doris greet each other.

 

Mrs. Fitzgerald asks Doris about her plan of going out with Charlie Spence on that night. Doris is annoyed and replies that Mrs. Fitzgerald should not be worried about it. Mrs. Pearson shouts at Doris but Mrs. Fitzgerald tries to pacify her.

 

Word	Meaning
Wonderingly	With a surprise, As if to ask approval
Despair	Without hope
Give it up	Stop making efforts, Accept defeat

Mrs. Pearson sharply says that it is not correct manners. My daughter should not talk to anybody like that. She orders Doris to answer to Mrs. Fitzgerald correctly.

Doris tells if she does not answer correctly she may have to go to upper floor. She looks to her father for support. George says that he has already accepted the situation.

 

Word	Meaning
Fiercely	Aggressively,
Call off	To cancel
What a pity	It is so bad, It is so unfortunate

Mrs. Pearson orders Doris to answer to Mrs. Fitzgerald. Doris says that she had a plan to go with Charlie Spence but now she has cancelled it. Mrs. Fitzgerald says it is so bad. She asks why Doris cancelled the plan.

 

Word	Meaning
Flash of temper	Suddenly getting angry
Memaking	Teaching good manners

Now Doris suddenly gets angry. Since you want to know I tell you that my mother has been trying to teach me manners. I felt very bad because of that. She said that teeth of Charlie are projected out of his mouth and he is half mad.

Mrs. Fitzgerald boldly advises Mrs. Pearson to not to say such words.

 

Word	Meaning
Grimly	Sadly
Ticking somebody off	Making angry

Mrs. Pearson advises Mrs. Fitzgerald to manage her own family. She will manage her family herself. George says that now his wife is getting angry. Mrs. Pearson tells George to recall that people are waiting for him at the club. She advises Doris to stop crying.

 

Mrs. Fitzgerald suddenly gets up says that enough has been talked about.

[George and Doris look at her with lot of surprise]

She tells George and Doris that she wants to have a separate discussion with Mrs. Pearson. So they should go away from the room for some time. I will tell you when we complete our discussion. I promise you that you will not repent going away from here. There is something that only I can correct.

 

Word	Meaning
Savagely	Aggressively
Moaning	Groaning,
Beckons	Signals

George gets up from his seat. He says he is happy that somebody can correct the situation. Because he is not able to do it. He asks Doris to come with him.

[George and Doris go out of the room. Mrs. Fitzgerald goes towards the small table and sits there. She signals Mrs. Pearson to come there.]

 

Mrs. Fitzgerald says to Mrs. Pearson that they should now change back to original personality. Mrs. Pearson asks why they should do it. Mrs. Fitzgerald explains that the situation has become really bad. They are all feeling bad. She cannot tolerate this situation.

 

Word	Meaning
Cannot stand	Cannot tolerate

Mrs. Pearson says that if we continue for some more time it will be good for them. It has already made a big difference in their behaviour.

Mrs. Fitzgerald says that she cannot tolerate condition of her family members. She wants to change to original personalities immediately. Mrs. Pearson agrees because she is insisting. They hold each other’s hands.

 

 

Mrs. Pearson asks Mrs. Fitzgerald to remain quiet and to relax.

[Mrs. Pearson utters the same mantra. The same sequence of events occur. Their body become loose and then they come back to life. But now they are their own original personality]

 

Mrs. Fitzgerald had enjoyed the change while Mrs. Pearson did not. Mrs. Fitzgerald advises Mrs. Pearson to not to be lenient with her family members. Otherwise all effort will become waste. Mrs. Pearson assures her to make a try.

 

Mrs. Fitzgerald says that they had not seen the change for long time. She wanted to give them the same rough treatment for about one or two hours more. Then their behaviour would have certainly changed.

Mrs. Pearson is certain that their behaviour would be better. But she is not sure how she will explain her own behaviour.

Mrs. Fitzgerald advises her not to explain anything or to say sorry. Otherwise she will be in trouble.

 

With lot of feeling, Mrs. Pearson says to Mrs. Fitzgerald that it is all right for her because it is not her family.

 

Word	Meaning
Now and again	Frequently

Mrs. Fitzgerald draws attention of Mrs. Pearson and asks her to listen. You had accepted that that you were spoiling habits of your family members. They do not appreciate you. If you give any explanation to them or say sorry to them, you will return to the earlier condition. Look at them in a different manner, change the tone of your voice frequently. This will indicate to them that you can be tough with them whenever you want. This will be good for you. You can test it anytime.

 

Word	Meaning
Give someone a hand	To help someone

Mrs Pearson asks how she can test it. Mrs. Fitzgerald advises her to ask them to do what they do not want to do. Mrs. Pearson asks if they will help her in cooking dinner. Mrs. Fitzgerald says they will do anything you ask them to do. You should ask them to do what you enjoy most.

 

Mrs. Pearson says that she likes playing rummy. But she does not get an opportunity to play. She plays only on Christmas.

Mrs. Fitzgerald advises her to tell them to play rummy. She starts going towards the door. She advises Mrs. Pearson to remain strong otherwise she could have problems. While going out of the door she again advises her to be strong.

 

Word	Meaning
Apprehensively	With a worry about what may happen
I am off	I am going
Relieved	Happy because something bad did not happen

[George, Doris and Cyril come in the room one after the other. They are looking at Mrs. Pearson with lot of worry.]

Mrs. Fitzgerald says she is going and asks all of them to be happy.

Mrs. Pearson smiles at her family. They all become relaxed and smile back at her.

 

Doris anxiously greets her mother. Mrs. Pearson says that since they are not going out, she will tell them what to do. Mrs. Fitzgerald once again reminds her to remember the advice.

Mrs Pearson nods her head to Mrs. Fitzgerald. She looks at her family and says hopefully they will not have any objection. Politely George says they will do whatever they are told.

 

Mrs. Pearson smiles and tells them that together they all should play rummy. After that children should prepare dinner while she talks to George.

George says that this is suitable to him. Then he asks his children if that is suitable to them also.

 

Cyril and Doris have some hesitation. Mrs. Pearson sharply asks them to express themselves. Quickly Doris says that it is a good plan.

 

Word	Meaning
Cluster	To assemble, To make a group

Mrs. Pearson smile at Mrs. Fitzgerald and requests her to visit them again. Mrs. Fitzgerald wishes her a nice time.

Mrs. Fitzgerald goes out from the left door. The family assembles around the mother. Curtain falls. The play ends.

****