Dubliners

A Mother

A Mother: Summary

The story revolves around Mrs Kearney's attempts to secure payment for her daughter's musical performance at a series of concerts.

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Overview & Analysis

"A Mother" is a short story which explores themes of motherhood, artistic endeavour, and societal norms. It is set in Dublin and revolves around the character of Mrs Kearney, a determined and overbearing mother trying to navigate her daughter Kathleen's musical career.

Mrs Kearney is introduced as a woman who values societal respectability. Her marriage to Mr Kearney is portrayed as a calculated choice for stability rather than romantic love. Her transformation from Miss Devlin to Mrs Kearney is said to have happened "out of spite," which indicates her innate dissatisfaction with societal norms and expectations. Despite this, she ultimately conforms to societal expectations, marries and takes on a motherly role.

Kathleen Kearney, their daughter, is a character who is seemingly passive in the unfolding drama, appearing to have little agency over her career. Kathleen's lack of voice can be interpreted as a representation of women's subjugation in society, particularly in the realm of art, where they are often seen but seldom heard. She is described as following her mother "meekly," which suggests her submission to her mother's will.

The conflict in the story arises when Mrs Kearney attempts to ensure payment for her daughter's promised performances at a series of concerts organized by the Eire Abu Society. The ordeal involves a series of disputes with Mr Holohan and Mr Fitzpatrick, representatives of the Society. Mrs Kearney demands the full payment stipulated in Kathleen's contract, regardless of the actual number of performances executed. This conflict escalates to a point where Mrs Kearney withdraws her daughter from the final concert due to non-payment of fees, leading to a tense climax.

The societal norms of the time seem to be against Mrs Kearney, as articulated by Mr O’Madden Burke's praise for Mr Holohan's actions: "You did the proper thing, Holohan." Mrs Kearney's audacious demand for her daughter's rights and dues is considered unorthodox and unacceptable, displaying the gender bias prevalent within the society.

The story lacks a traditional resolution. The conflict between Mrs Kearney and the Eire Abu Society remains unresolved, leaving the reader with a sense of injustice. As Mrs Kearney exits the concert hall with her daughter, she warns Mr Holohan, "I’m not done with you yet." This defiance embodies her determination to fight against societal norms for her daughter's rights.

The "epiphany" or sudden realization in the story can be attributed to Mrs Kearney when she comprehends the extent of the society's disregard for her and her daughter’s rights. The society’s dismissive attitude leaves her incensed, prompting her to pull her daughter out of the performance, despite the possible ramifications for her future career. This epiphany is a commentary on the societal norms and expectations of the era, the difficulties faced by women in asserting their rights, and the uphill battle faced by women in the arts.

In conclusion, "A Mother" provides a rich exploration of societal norms, gender dynamics, and the struggles and challenges faced by women artists in a patriarchal society. Mrs Kearney’s character, with her tenacity and audacity, stands as a stark symbol of resistance against these societal norms and expectations. Her relentless pursuit of her daughter's rights and dues in the face of societal opposition encapsulates the essence of the story. As James Joyce wrote, "I’m asking for my rights," she said. Her demand for her daughter's just due, even in the face of societal disapproval, encapsulates her character's defiance and the story's central theme of resistance against societal norms.

Characters