Mary E. Wilkins-Freeman's The Revolt Of Mother

In “The Revolt of ‘Mother’” by Mary E. Wilkins-Freeman, Sarah Penn is a hardworking housewife who has had great regard for her husband and his wishes throughout there forty year married. Until one morning Sarah, who is referred to in the story as Mother, goes against her husband’s ambitions in hopes of having a better live. Taking place in the late 1800’s in rural America, the “Revolt” is a typical story of a woman’s rule as a wife and mother. Her husband Adoniram, who is referred to as Father, makes all the decisions for the family and does not wish for Mother to interfere with his decisions throughout the narration.
Initially, Mother starts by questioning Father about why and for what the men in the field are digging on there property? He simply ignores his wives questions and goes about harnessing his mare. Mother does not stop asking and stresses, “Look here, father, I want to know what them men are diggin’ over in the field for, an’ I’m goin’ to know.” (229) Father response by saying, “I wish you’d
Father said grace and the family began to eat hastily. After dinner Sammy quickly ran off to school before his father could tell him to stay and help with choirs. Nanny left also to do some errands in town. Right before Father left to go back to work, Mother called after him saying she wanted him to sit down so she could see him for a moment. Her husband ever dreading this conversation reluctantly sat down. She began her appeal about the new barn verses a new house. Saying that he promised forty years ago to build her a better house right where the new barn is being built, “Father, I want to know if you think it’s right. You’re lodgin’ your dumb beasts better than you are your own flesh an’ blood.” (233) He simply replies “I ain’t got nothin’ to say.” (231) Her pleas go unnoticed and the barn continues to be built. This married is very one sided, where Father’s decisions are final and forced upon his