'The Mother' Summary

The Mother is a novel written by Pearl S. Buck, first published in 1934. It follows the life of a peasant woman in rural China before the 1911 Revolution, as she struggles to raise her children and cope with poverty, famine, and social oppression. The novel explores the themes of motherhood, gender roles, family, and tradition in a changing society.

Buck herself was the daughter of missionaries and lived most of her life in China. The Mother is based on her observations of the lives of women there."The Mother" offers a vivid portrayal of rural Chinese life over a century ago. A mother's daily struggles and responsibilities are depicted, showing her central role in the household. She manages the stove, cares for her children, supports her husband, and tends to her elderly mother-in-law. The family faces economic hardships, carefully using resources like fuel and food. The narrative highlights the resilience and adaptability required to survive in this rural setting, reflecting the cultural and gender roles of the time.