Empirical rejection of maternal rationalism and wisdom in 'My Mother Said I Never Should' by Charlotte Keatley

This study examines the theme of empirical rejection of maternal rationalism and wisdom in Charlotte Keatley's play My Mother Said I Never Should. It examines how each generation rejects the traditional legacy of motherhood and explores the role this rejection plays in individuals' processes of navigating personal autonomy and identity formation. This thesis provides a detailed analysis of how this questioning relates to intergenerational conflicts, gender norms, and their impact on the construction of female identities. Through the characters representing four different generations between 1920 and 1987, this study evaluates, from a feminist perspective, how social structures shape individuals' identities. Doris embodies traditional values and the woman's role within the household, while Margaret turns towards modern understandings of womanhood and motherhood under the influence of shifting social norms. Jackie takes this transformation further, propelled by the liberation movements of her time, and her actions reflect a stark rejection of traditional norms as she shapes her identity and desires amidst evolving societal expectations. Rosie, in turn, experiences the effects of intergenerational changes most intensely, questioning the conflict between personal autonomy and inherited roles, thus making this struggle visible. This thesis concludes that this rejection of maternal rationalism is not merely an act of individual resistance but as a reconciliation with broader societal norms that define women's roles. It discusses how women's demands for autonomy have evolved into the construction of feminist identities, demonstrating how this process has been crucial in the formation of personal autonomy in connection with historical, cultural, and social changes. The study proposes new approaches and recommendations for future feminist drama and literature studies, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive questioning and examination of maternal roles within social and cultural contexts.