The Revolt of “Mother”

Adoniram and Sarah Penn live in an era that promoted traditional gender roles and established men as the head of the household. As the husband and father, Adoniram makes the household decisions in the best interests of the farm, which is the family’s source of income. Meanwhile, Sarah, as the wife and mother, is expected to cater to her husband’s wishes—even when they go against her own wishes. Despite her resentment following a confrontation with…

“The Revolt of ‘Mother’” pits Sarah Penn against not just her own husband but also the surrounding community. By boldly undermining Adoniram’s plan to build a barn instead of a new house, Sarah ends up challenging the broader community, ultimately scandalizing her neighbors and their ideas about what’s considered proper and reasonable in their society—especially for women. When gossip circulates about her decision to move the family’s belongings into the barn, it becomes quite…

“The Revolt of ‘Mother’” highlights the importance of seizing opportunity when it comes along, even if that means taking advantage of unforeseen circumstances. Sarah first conceives of the idea to use her husband’s new barn for a domestic space during a conversation with her engaged daughter, Nanny. After Nanny facetiously suggests that she and her fiancé should have the wedding in the new barn instead of their shabby old house, Sarah stares at her…