Guide Questions: "The Revolt of Mother" by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman

(Freeman's stories are often about New England women who negotiate between feminine submissiveness and duty on one hand and independence and self-assertion on the other.)

Note: In the following questions, the word father is not capitalized even though it is used as a name. Freeman may have done this intentionally.)

Directions: Answer the following in complete sentences.

1) Father suggests that "mother" go into the house and "...'tend to your own affairs". How does the author describe the house as compared to the other buildings on the farm?

2) Gender roles/expectations are apparent throughout the story. How does son Sammy's role differ from that of his sister, Nanny?

3) How does Sarah defend her husband when Nanny questions the need for another barn instead of a new house?

4) What promise did Adoniram (Adam in the film) make to Sarah when they wed 40 years before?

5) Why does Sarah now feel the need to push for a new house?

6) "I ain't got nothin' to say" is father's response to Sarah's request. How do we know that she is extremely upset although she does not say so?

7) Is father aware of Sarah's unhappiness? Explain.

8) "Unsolicited opportunities are the guideposts of the Lord to the new roads of life," says Sarah. While father travels to Vermont to get a new horse, how does Sarah take advantage of the unasked for opportunity?

9) How do Nanny and Sammy react to their mother's actions?

10) What story does the hired man take to the village, and how do the townspeople react?

11)When Mr. Hersey, the village minister comes to call, how does Sarah justify her actions?

12) Describe Sammy's behavior when his father returns. What symbolism can be found here?

13) The first family meal in the new house is also symbolic. Does father enjoy his supper? Explain.

14) At the end of the story, Sarah joins her husband and finds him in tears. Is this a sign of weakness? Explain.

15) In a paragraph, describe what the future will bring for the members of this family. Has father changed?

How about Sarah? Will Sammy be different? What has Nanny learned from her mother?