This most obvious theme within “The Revolt of ‘Mother’” is that of defiance of traditional gender roles. During this time, women could not vote or own property, and they were unprotected from spousal abuse. They had limited options, and this attitude was reflected both within the law and in local communities.

Gender is clearly delineated within the text. Adoniram has his sphere, which includes the land, the animals, and the hired men. Sarah’s sphere is a less important one in the eyes of the world, containing the house, with its deficiencies, and domestic chores like cleaning and making pies. This dynamic also shapes their children’s lives. Nanny is primarily depicted within the home, sewing and dreaming of her wedding. Meanwhile, the young Sammy is granted certain permissions and freedoms not afforded to Sarah or Nanny simply because he is a boy.

However, it should be made clear that Sarah, the titular Mother, is not interested in defying gender roles so much as she is determined to correct Adoniram’s wrongdoing. Sarah is not a feminist per se; she is a woman who wants the better life she has been promised. When she finally acts upon her decisions, asserting herself for the first time, she is empowered to finally get what she wants and deserves.