Mom Luby and the Social Worker by Kristin Hunter
In Mom Luby and the Social Worker by Kristin Hunter we have the theme of love, responsibility, kindness, bureaucracy, connection, innocence and change. Narrated in the first person by a young thirteen year old boy called Elijah the reader realises after reading the story that Hunter may be exploring the theme of love. Mom Luby puts both Elijah and his sister Pudding before everyone else. She knows that it is her responsibility to look after them and as such goes to the government buildings seeking help (welfare). This may be important as Mom Luby knows that she is not entitled to welfare for the children but as they have no one else to look after them she takes on the responsibility. Whereas others might let Elijah and Pudding fend for themselves. Mom Luby knows that this is not an option. If anything Mom Luby is driven by doing the right thing for Elijah and Pudding. Knowing well that their lives would be even more difficult should they be left to their own devices. In reality Mom Luby is Elijah and Pudding’s mother in everything but name. She treats both children as though they were her own. She is kind to them and firm when she needs to be.
It may also be important that Miss Rushmore spends all of her time in Mom Luby’s home asking Mom Luby questions. Questions that Mom Luby may not necessarily have the right answer for. It is possible that Hunter is suggesting that with bureaucracy comes difficulty. Technically Mom Luby is entitled to nothing from the welfare office as neither Elijah nor Pudding are her children. However Hunter might be suggesting that some things like parentage should be overlooked if an individual is doing the job of a parent. As Mom Luby is doing. Life would be far more difficult for Elijah and Pudding without Mom Luby’s influence in their lives and it would cost the government very little to bend their rules a little. Miss Rushmore also appears to be judging Mom Luby by her extracurricular activities when the reality is she is a poor woman who is providing a service to other poor people. It is as though there is a disconnect between Miss Rushmore and Mom Luby. With Miss Rushmore being in disbelief as to how Mom Luby lives her life.
Throughout the story Mom Luby is honest. With the exception of her being Elijah and Pudding’s mother. She does not hide anything from Miss Rushmore. When the reality is she probably should. This may be important as it could suggest that Mom Luby is somewhat innocent. It could also suggest that Mom Luby and Miss Rushmore live two entirely different lives. With Hunter symbolically suggesting that the government (or Miss Rushmore) have no idea how people live their lives. It may also be case that Hunter is comparing both traditional and modern roles. Mom Luby knows how to do a lot of things however she is qualified to do none. That is if you take qualification to mean a piece of paper from a university or a government agency. If anything Mom Luby has learnt to do things from those who went before her. When there was no need for academic qualifications. Something which Miss Rushmore frowns upon. The list of forms that Mom Luby is told to fill out may also have some symbolic significance as Hunter could again be placing a spotlight on just how burdensome bureaucracy is to an individual. Not only has Mom Luby got to fill out the forms but she has to go to different buildings to fill out each form.
It is as though there are two sides of life in play in the story. The practical life of Mom Luby who carries on despite the difficulties she may incur and the impractical world of Miss Rushmore. It is also interesting that Miss Rushmore is in shock after she spends her day with Mom Luby. It is as though she can’t believe that Mom Luby does so much and is not qualified to do what she does. Without knowing it Mom Luby is breaking all the rules. Something that may be alien to Miss Rushmore. Who at times in the story is as rigid in her beliefs as she is in her appearance. It might also be a case that life will not change for Mom Luby. She has no intention of filling out all the forms and Miss Rushmore does not appear to be at the type of woman who will bend the rules for Mom Luby. Even if she is drinking illegally in Mom Luby’s back room. At the end of the story the reader realises that neither Mom Luby nor Miss Rushmore are going to change their ways with Mom Luby prepared to continue living her life without the assistance of the government.
This was very helpful, thank you very much made me understand the story better and also deeper into depths. Again I thank you
I’m glad you found the post helpful.
Thank you very much. This helped me in my school assignment and gained me top marks.
That’s great. Well done.
What is the plot of the story?
Out of the goodness of her heart Mom Luby looks after children but the social workers find out and are checking up on her to see if everything is okay.
Thank you.
You’re welcome.
Hii wat is the irony?
I’m not sure.
Hello. What is mom luby’s character and what is the authors treatment of the character?
Mom Loby is a hard-working, loving and untiring character. This is known by way of the fact that Mom Luby takes the children in to her care. When she doesn’t have to. She is helping others when she does not need to. She is thinking of others less fortunate.
What was mom lubys attitude when she was denied the state aid?
I’m sorry but I would need to read the story again to answer your question.
what is the climax of the story?
I would need to read the story again to answer your question.
What is the conflict in the story?
I would suggest the conflict in the story is the struggle that Mom Luby has with the children. The social worker is coming to check up on her.
How does the author treat mom Luby?
I think she is treated with fairness and the author knows that Mom Luby is struggling.
Can you describe the central unfortunate situation in the story?
The children have no parents and Mom Luby is looking after them.
thank you
You’re welcome.
Hello, What illegal activity was Mom Luby engaged in?
She ran a bar.
What’s the conflict in the story eg. man vs man ect
The conflict is man versus society. Mom Luby versus society.
Was her visit success? If yes why?
I don’t understand the question.
What is the relationship to mom luby and the children
She acts as their guardian (parent).
Why do you think the author linked mom luby to santa Claus?
She helps people like Santa does.
What are some similaries and difference concerning Ms.Rushmore and Mom L
I would need to read the story again to answer your question.
How old is puddin and elijah
I’m not sure.
pudding is said to be five and elijah is thirteen
Thanks Sade.
What are some hardships that mom Luby faced?
I would need to read the story again to answer your question.
Write an essay in which you focus on the theme of ” Positive Beliefs “. Describe one event that explore positive beliefs. You must also discuss the outcome of this belief and finally, you must examine one technique the writer uses to explore the theme of “Positive Beliefs”.
I would begin by looking at the positive impact Mom Luby has on the children.
Who was the narrator
The story is narrated in the first person by a young thirteen year old boy called Elijah
what is the principle device in the story and what is the evidence
I’m not sure.
Identify the principle device used in the story and show its effectiveness using the appropriate evidence from the text.
I’m not syre.
what is the principle device in the story and what is the evidence
Pls reply
I’m not sure.
What is your opinion of the social worker?
I think she looks favourably on Mom Luby.
What is the effectiveness of the narrative point of view used by the author in the story?
The narrator is first person omniscient (all knowing). Elijah knows what is happening.
What is mom luby’s reaction to the failure of the system to help the children
To be honest I don’t recall.
Why did mom luby leave the questions blank?
She may have already felt qualified to do the role she plays in the story. Answering questions on a piece of paper would have made no difference to her.
What is the mood and tone?
I would suggest the tone is one of desperation and the mood is one of hope.
What is the form and structure of this story?
I mainly deal with the themes of a story and if I see some symbolism I include that as well.
What are narrative technique in the story ?
First person narrative by a young thirteen year old boy called Elijah.
What is your opinion of Ms. Rushmore?
I would need to read the story again to formulate an opinion.
what is the irony in the story?
I’m not sure.
which paragraph do u explain the themes of:
-love
-responsibility
First paragraph.
where would u say the setting of the story is
Somewhere in the Caribbean.
It’s actually set in the UsA about 1920-1923 during the Prohibitation period
Thanks Deiedra.
what was the humour and ironys in the story
I would need to read the story again to answer your questions.
ok thanks
What is the conflict in the story?
How was this resolved?
I’m not as familiar with the story as I once was. I would need to read the story again to answer your question.
Hi goodnight did you reread the story if so im asking kindly if you can answer the question that above from Ali.
What is the conflict in the story?
How was this resolved?
I would think the conflict is the fact that Mom Luby has her own life and takes on the burden of caring for the children. Along with this is the social worker who is checking up on Mom Luby. As for a resolution. Does Mom Luby get to keep the kids?
How was meeting ms luby affected ms Rushmore?
I’m not as familiar with the story as I once was. I would need to read the story again to answer your question.
How would you describe elijah and Puddin’?
I’m not as familiar with the story as I once was. I would need to read the story again to answer your question.
Can you give me a quick book review of this story? As conflict is the main topic?
I’m sorry I can’t. I would need to read the story again and I have a back log of stories I need to read first.
What would be a good hook to start of an essay about this story
A woman is in conflict and struggles.
what is the resolution of the story
Mom Loby doesn’t fill out the forms and continues to serve alcohol.
What is the symbolism of the story
I go through some of the symbolism in the third paragraph of the post.
What is the nature of irony in the story?
An inn-keeper minding children.
Could you be more specific
An inn wouldn’t be the type of place to raise children. Not when people are drinking and getting drunk.
So your saying that is the nature of irony ? I get what you saying but the answer you gave doesn’t seem to match the question
I’m not sure of an answer to your question.
how is the bureaucracy of the welfare system presented in the story and what was mom luby’s reaction?
It is portrayed as uncompromising. Mom Luby will still do the best for the children.
How does the author use him out and satire to comment on the welfare system?
I’m not sure. Mom Luby is entitled to help with the children but doesn’t get it. The author is making a mockery of the welfare system.
Discuss the effectiveness of the narrative point of view used by the author in the story.
The story is narrated in the first person by a young boy called Elijah. The benefit of the first person narrative is that you get an insight into the narrator’s point of view. Some first person narrator’s can’t be trusted but I think you can trust Elijah.
Thanks very much
You’re welcome.
what is the climax
I am not sure. I would need to read the story again to answer your question.
What is ironic about Mom Luby’s social status and her success when compared to the social worker’s social status and success?
I’m not sure.
Describe the social worker. What does she represent in society? Describe Mom Luby. What could she represent in society? How are these two characters juxtaposed and what does this argue about society?
I’m sorry but I would need to read the story again to answer your questions.
Quote a line from the story that suggests how she might have gotten the name ‘Puddin’
I’m not sure of the answer to your question.
Discuss two ways that Kristin Hunter satirizes the social welfare system. (6 marks)
Outline two ways that the writer explores the corruption that was a pervasive part of the Prohibition Era. (4 marks)
How does Hunter convey the notion of childhood innocence in the story? (3 marks)
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I’m sorry but I’m not sure of the answers to your questions.