But to my surprise, my research for popular and admired literary mothers yielded only limited, repetitive results; and, most of those results came from more modern or post modern literature. This got me thinking: where are all the strong mother role models in classic literature? I began to rack my brain to think of any other notable caregivers that might defy my slowly developing notion that really great mothers have just not been a staple in literature to date. Which is pretty sad, because in many cases where would we, or anyone, really be without them? But alas, my mental search did not produce much more than my internet research. However, my bubbling, internal, feminist rant about why writers need to give mothers more of a voice must wait for another time. Our purpose here is to celebrate the awesome mothers in literature that do exist, who prove beyond reasonable doubt that the often strong and silent female shadows, standing just behind the principal characters, have more of an impact than anyone truly realizes.
Molly Weasley
I don't think that any one line in literature better sums up a mother's will to protect her children than Molly Weasley's "NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH!" (at which point the entire Rowling reading community jumped up and screamed something along the lines of "F@$# yeah Molly!") Molly Weasley not only embodies the warm and ever encouraging maternal stereotype, keeping the hearth burning in the Weasley abode while raising a clan of red headed, adventurous and diverse children, she is also capable of kicking some serious butt. She roars into the final battle for Hogwarts with as much courage and ferocity as any other member of the Order of the Phoenix, and she never shies away from laying down the law when George or Fred do something crazy. In short, Molly Weasley is amazing, and rightfully beloved by Potterheads everywhere.
Natalie Prior
Like Molly Weasley, Natalie Prior encompasses the many different sides of motherhood. As a member of the Abnegation Faction, she practices selflessness and care, and teaches her children to do the same. She keeps a simple home that she fills with love and support for her husband and two children. But she is also an incredibly strong woman who displays both her ability and need to protect her family, being Dauntless-born and so trained in protective skill and weaponry. In short, she's pretty badass, and does not hesitate to make the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that her daughter will succeed.
Mrs. Bennett
When I decided to compose this list, I knew Mrs. Bennett had to be included. Loud-mouthed, dramatic and outspoken, Mrs. Bennett is likely the most entertaining and diverse mother figure I have ever encountered in literature. Moreover, despite her pushy nature and over-the-top comments, she recognizes the realistic elements of her 19th century society and the role of women in it, and she strives to ensure that her daughters do not become victims to bad marriages or social shame. She has also earned the love and admiration of Mr. Bennett, a rational and sensible man, which also speaks volumes about the more internal facets of her character.
Marmee
The beloved matriarch of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, Marmee is the most openly and physically affectionate mother on this list. She shares a closeness with her daughters that is evident both in her soothing and encouraging words, and in their nightly book readings and conversations, piled together closely on a living room cushion. She demonstrates stability and courage in caring for her four daughters and household in the absence of her husband, while balancing her own emotions in having him so far away in such dangerous circumstances. She is a silent sufferer in light of Beth's illness and eventual death, and is the driving force in allowing the family to move on from such loss.
Dorothy Quimby
Mrs. Quimby is the mother most of us probably don't remember, having been easily overshadowed by the rambunctious Ramona and her sister Beezus. However, she was there, cleaning up after Ramona's spontaneous decisions to roll in the mud, and mediating peace between her quibbling daughters. She also represents the more liberal and flexible mother of the modern day, not so concerned with keeping a neat and tidy house as she was with her children's happiness. She recognized a spark in Ramona's adventurous character, and allowed her creative daughter to explore and flourish. For that, she gets a gold star in our books!
Catelyn Stark
The Song of Ice and Fire nerd in me couldn't not include Lady Stark. She is the mother of five very different but individually interesting high born children, and not only has a hand in teaching them the manners and customs of the realm and of their station, she also helps to sift through the more administrative matters at Winterfell. She shows poise and elegance in watching her husband and two daughters depart for a distant city, while keeping her composure enough to remain strong for the three sons left with her. She never breaks down when her husband is murdered, but instead becomes an important advisor for her son, Robb, upon his entrance to the war. She negotiates treaties with powerful leaders and shows no weakness in doing so. But perhaps the most amazing thing we learn about Catelyn Stark comes from a story about an ill Jon Snow (her husband's bastard son by a mysterious woman, who Catelyn allows to live with them, alongside her own children, at Winterfell). The story reveals that one night in infancy when Jon was very ill, instead of praying for his death or doing the very minimal to help him, she stayed by his bedside all night, administering medications and praying for his return to health. If that doesn't earn her a spot on everyone's list, I don't know what does.
Honourable Mentions:
Lorelai Gilmore
Ok so no, Lorelai Gilmore is not technically a mother from literature. But she's an AMAZING mother figure nonetheless. Yes, she was pregnant at 16, not a great start, but she handled it with the maturity of one beyond her years. She got a low-stationed job as a maid, found a decent living situation for herself and her infant daughter in a town of quirky personalities, all of whom come to adore her and Rory. She provided her daughter with a cultural education in classic films and television, while providing a liberal and encouraging atmosphere whereby Rory was free to explore her passions. It worked out pretty well, since Rory eventually graduates from Yale. Lorelai demonstrates real trust in her daughter, and often gives Rory the space to figure out her own difficulties that many of us so often crave from our own mothers. Plus, she's got a pretty excellent sense of style and Rory gets to share her clothes... so, there's that.
My mom
And now comes the cheese. Of course I had to include my mom, because I think she's an amazing woman. She has always kept on top of the responsibilities expected of a married woman in a very old school culture: clean house, good cooking, proper etiquette for entertaining. But more than that, she raised four uniquely intelligent, ambitious and successful children by herself, never taking credit for our accomplishments despite the fact that she had a hand in every one in one way or another. She endured years of sadness and neglect, but came forth from that a stronger and more confident woman. Nearing 60, she is in the prime of her life, adored by her two grandchildren, and fully capable of taking care of herself. She is independent and supportive, and has always made me believe that I could do or be whatever I chose. She's a constant and loving presence in my life, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
And yes, I realize that it is in fact three days post Mother's Day. But I was spending time with my mom ok? So let's go with the cliche that "everyday should be mother's day", which makes this post perfectly timed.
Gotta book it,
JEM.
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