Plot & Themes
Who is the main character of A Mother?
Mrs. Kearney
What is Mrs. Kearney’s daughter’s name?
Kathleen
What does the canceled concert symbolize?
Failure
Where are the concerts held?
Antient Concert Rooms
What sweet treat did Mrs. Kearney secretly eat at home?
Turkish Delight
What event is Mrs. Kearney helping to organize?
Concert series
What is Mr. Kearney’s job?
Bootmaker
What does Kathleen’s ruined career represent?
Consequences of pride
How many concerts were originally planned?
Four
What funny nickname do people call Mr. Holohan?
Hoppy Holohan
Why does Mrs. Kearney refuse to let her daughter perform?
Not paid
Why did Mrs. Kearney marry her husband “out of spite”?
To silence gossip / gain status
What does Mrs. Kearney’s obsession with contracts symbolize?
Control / social order
What night is canceled by the committee?
Friday
What does Mr. Kearney cover his feet with when he’s sick?
Eider-down quilt
What does Mr. Holohan’s limp symbolize?
Dublin’s paralysis
Who is the disorganized assistant secretary of the concerts?
Mr. Holohan
What narrative technique shows Mrs. Kearney’s inner pride and blindness?
Free indirect narration
How much was Kathleen supposed to be paid?
Eight guineas
What drink does Mrs. Kearney make for her husband when he coughs?
Rum punch
What main Dubliners theme does this story show?
Paralysis
What drives Mrs. Kearney’s actions throughout the story?
Pride / Ambition
What does the phrase “Hoppy Holohan” symbolize in Dublin life?
Paralysis / incompetence
What happens at the end of the story?
Mrs. Kearney leaves in anger
What silly phrase does Mrs. Kearney mockingly say about Mr. Holohan?
“I’m a great fellow fol-the-diddle-I-do!”