Mother (Gorky Novel) facts for kids

Mother (Russian: Mat') is a famous novel written by the Russian author Maxim Gorky in 1906. It tells the story of an ordinary woman who becomes involved in political movements and fights for a better world. The book has been translated into many languages and has inspired several movies and even a play.

What is Mother About?

The novel Mother focuses on a woman named Pelageya Nilovna Vlasova. She is a simple, kind-hearted factory worker's wife. Her life changes when her son, Pavel Vlasov, starts to get involved in political activities.

The Story of a Mother's Journey

At first, Nilovna doesn't understand her son's ideas. She is worried about him and the dangers he faces. However, as she learns more about the unfair conditions faced by workers, she slowly begins to understand. She sees the need for change and starts to support her son's cause.

From Fear to Activism

Nilovna's journey is powerful. She moves from being a fearful mother to a brave activist. She helps spread revolutionary ideas and becomes a symbol of strength and hope for others. The novel shows how ordinary people can become heroes when they believe in something important.

Who Was Maxim Gorky?

Maxim Gorky was a famous Russian writer, born in 1868. His real name was Alexei Maximovich Peshkov. He chose the name "Gorky," which means "bitter" in Russian, because his early life was very difficult. He wrote many stories and plays that showed the lives of poor and struggling people in Russia.

Gorky's Early Life and Works

Gorky had to start working at a very young age. He experienced many hardships, which influenced his writing. He often wrote about social problems and the need for justice. His works are known for their realistic descriptions and strong characters.

Why Gorky Wrote Mother

Gorky wrote Mother while he was living in the United States. He wanted to show the struggles of the working class in Russia and inspire people to fight for their rights. The novel became very popular and was seen as an important work of political literature.

Mother in Movies and Plays

The powerful story of Mother has been adapted into several films and a play. These adaptations helped to spread Gorky's message to an even wider audience.

Famous Film Adaptations

• Mother (1926): This silent film was directed by Vsevolod Pudovkin. It is considered a classic of Soviet cinema and is famous for its strong visual storytelling.
• Mother (1956): Directed by Mark Donskoy, this version brought the story to life for a new generation.
• Mother (1990): Gleb Panfilov directed this later film adaptation, offering a modern take on the classic novel.

The Play by Bertolt Brecht

The German playwright Bertolt Brecht also created a play based on Gorky's novel. His play, titled The Mother, explores similar themes of political awakening and social change. Brecht was known for his unique style of theater, which often encouraged audiences to think critically about society.

Why is Mother Still Important?

Mother remains an important novel because it explores timeless themes. It talks about the power of belief, the importance of standing up for what is right, and how ordinary people can make a difference. It also shows the strength of a mother's love and her willingness to sacrifice for her child and for a cause she believes in.

Understanding Political Beliefs

The novel touches on political beliefs, which are ideas about how a country or society should be run. In Mother, the characters are fighting for more fairness and equality for workers. They believe that everyone should have a voice and be treated justly. The book helps readers understand how people can become passionate about their political ideas and work together for change.