If Mother Knew

Name: If Mother Knew
Author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman

The story revolves around a young woman who returns home after being away for several years. Her mother is unaware that she has been living with her lover and has a child out of wedlock. The daughter's return sparks tension between her and her mother, who is shocked by the revelation. As the truth unfolds, the mother struggles to reconcile her own values and expectations with the reality of her daughter's situation. The story explores themes of family, morality, and the complexities of relationships between mothers and daughters. The narrative is a nuanced portrayal of the challenges faced by women in patriarchal societies, where societal norms often conflict with personal desires and choices.

By Charlotte Perkins Gilman · First published 1892 · Genre: Feminist Literature, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction · 349 words

First lines

If mother knew the way I felt,- And I'm sure a mother should,- She wouldn't make it quite so hard For a person to be good!

I want to do the way she says; I try to all day long; And then she just skips all the right, And pounces on the wrong!

What this Textopian page supports

If Mother Knew is listed on Textopian as a short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, dated 1892 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Date: 1892 CE
Language: English
Genres: Feminist Literature, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
Length: 349 words
Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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How does this short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles

Genres

Feminist Literature — The author, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, is a noted feminist and the book portrays women's struggle within a patriarchal society, addressing themes of female empowerment and autonomy.
Social Commentary — The book provides a profound social commentary on gender norms and societal expectations during the time period it was written.
Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the psychology of its characters, exploring the impact of societal norms on the mental state of women.
Historical Fiction — While not directly described as a historical work, the social commentary in the book gives insight into the historical perspectives and events during the author's lifetime.