By smartcubs Mrs. Fitzgerald is a pivotal character in J.B. Priestley’s play “Mother’s Day.” Her strong-willed and assertive nature serves as a catalyst for the transformation of Mrs. Pearson and the improvement of her family’s dynamics. Mrs. Fitzgerald’s character brings a refreshing change to the traditional portrayal of housewives, highlighting the importance of self-respect and assertiveness.
Physical Description
Mrs. Fitzgerald is described as a middle-aged woman with a robust personality. She is often depicted as strong and confident, a stark contrast to the timid and submissive Mrs. Pearson. Her physical demeanor reflects her inner strength and determination.
Personality Traits
- Assertive and Strong-Willed
- Mrs. Fitzgerald is a woman who knows her mind and is not afraid to speak it. She believes in standing up for oneself and does not tolerate any form of injustice, especially within the family setting.
- Her assertiveness is evident when she takes the bold step of swapping personalities with Mrs. Pearson to teach her family a lesson.
- Practical and No-Nonsense
- Mrs. Fitzgerald is practical and pragmatic in her approach to life. She sees things as they are and believes in addressing problems head-on.
- This no-nonsense attitude is what drives her to help Mrs. Pearson reclaim her rightful place in the household.
- Empathetic and Caring
- Despite her tough exterior, Mrs. Fitzgerald is deeply empathetic and caring. She genuinely cares about Mrs. Pearson’s well-being and is disturbed by the way her family treats her.
- Her empathy is what motivates her to take such drastic measures to ensure Mrs. Pearson is treated with the respect she deserves.
Key Actions and Their Impact
- Personality Swap
- Mrs. Fitzgerald uses a magical spell to swap personalities with Mrs. Pearson. This drastic action is taken to show the Pearson family how they have been mistreating Mrs. Pearson.
- The personality swap brings about a significant change in the household dynamics, forcing the family to confront their behavior and make amends.
- Teaching Respect and Assertiveness
- Through her actions as Mrs. Pearson, Mrs. Fitzgerald teaches the Pearson family to respect their mother. She refuses to cater to their every whim, setting boundaries and demanding respect.
- This change in behavior shocks the family but ultimately leads them to appreciate Mrs. Pearson more.
Quotes Reflecting Her Character
- “It’s high time they learnt to treat you properly.”
- “Stand up for yourself, and they’ll respect you.”
Mrs. Fitzgerald is a powerful character who plays a crucial role in transforming the lives of the Pearson family. Her assertiveness, practical approach, and deep empathy make her an agent of change, teaching valuable lessons about self-respect and the importance of standing up for oneself.
Key Points
- Strong-willed and assertive
- Practical and no-nonsense
- Empathetic and caring
- Uses a personality swap to teach respect
- Helps Mrs. Pearson reclaim her dignity
Mrs. Fitzgerald’s character in “Mother’s Day” serves as a reminder that assertiveness and self-respect are crucial in maintaining healthy family dynamics and personal well-being.