Essay Questions

How does the relationship between Jessie and her mother change throughout the play "night, Mother"?

The relationship between Jessie and her mother changes significantly throughout the play "night, Mother." At the beginning of the play, Jessie and her mother seem to have a strained and distant relationship, with Jessie frequently snapping at her mother and showing little regard for her feelings. However, as the play progresses and Jessie reveals her plan to commit suicide, the two women begin to have a more honest and open conversation. Jessie's mother becomes increasingly concerned and upset, and tries to convince Jessie to change her mind. Ultimately, the relationship between Jessie and her mother becomes more loving and caring as they both come to understand and appreciate each other in a deeper way.

How does the setting of "night, Mother" contribute to the overall mood and theme of the play?

The setting of "night, Mother" is a small, cramped trailer home in a rural town, and this contributes significantly to the overall mood and theme of the play. The claustrophobic setting adds to the sense of isolation and hopelessness that Jessie feels and serves as a metaphor for the constricting and oppressive nature of her life. The fact that the play takes place over the course of a single night also adds to the sense of urgency and finality, as Jessie's decision to commit suicide seems all the more imminent and irrevocable. The setting of "night, Mother" therefore serves to reinforce the themes of loneliness, desperation, and the search for meaning and purpose in life.

What is the significance of the title "night, Mother" in relation to the play's themes and character development?

The title "night, Mother" is significant in relation to the play's themes and character development in several ways. First and foremost, it refers to the fact that the play takes place over the course of a single night, and therefore serves as a metaphor for the fleeting and ephemeral nature of life. The title also suggests that the play is about the relationship between Jessie and her mother, and the way in which they come to understand and appreciate each other in a deeper way during this brief and intense period of time. Finally, the title "night, Mother" can be seen as a reference to the idea of death, and the way in which Jessie's decision to end her own life causes her mother to confront her own mortality and the fragility of human existence. Overall, the title "night, Mother" serves as a powerful and evocative symbol for the play's themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning and purpose in life.