Imagine finding yourself contemplating the expiration of a promise made to you by the person closest to you. How would you feel if the promise was fulfilled almost four decades ago? Would you have at least waited? "The Mother's Revolt" by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman illustrates a devoted but strong-minded housewife who takes the initiative to hold her husband accountable for his word, how her actions positively affect her children, and how it inevitably alters the nature of his life. marriage.Sarah Penn is an ideal housewife who, despite her husband's hidden agendas, manages to turn Adoniram's broken promise into reality for her family. Adoniram knows he is wrong, but he believes that his choice to increase the success of his business is more important than keeping a promise already forty years ago. McElrath Jr. suggests that although Sarah “attempts to resign herself to the situation in a dutiful and homespun manner, […] her behavior is fraught with repressed anger” in response to Adoniram's stubbornly stoic and unyielding attitude (McElrath Jr. 258). After Nanny unintentionally plants the seedling of thought, Sarah waits tolerantly "all the spring months" listening to the sounds of construction in silence, waiting for an opportunity to present itself (Freeman). Sarah keeps Adoniram's promise to him by moving the family into the stable. He accepts his actions because he is not without conscience and knows that it is his duty in return. Sarah's docile determination inspires Adoniram: "I had no idea you were so determined about all this" (Freeman). At his request, he agrees to all the modifications to make the barn a suitable home, and in doing so redeems himself. Adoniram takes responsibility for his word and sets an example…middle of the card…this was not done out of spite or defiance, but in an attempt to hold him accountable to his word. The result of her actions taught her children to stand up for themselves and what is right and, by proxy, redefined her relationship with her husband in a positive way that equaled respect between them. Sarah's long-suffering patience is an attention-grabbing example. Works Cited Freeman, Mary E. Wilkins. “The mother's revolt”. English Composition 1. Illinois Valley Community College, nd Web. March 21, 2011. Daniel, Janice. "Redefining Place: Hidden Women in Mary Wilkins Freeman's Stories: Women Covered, Confined, or Closed." Studies in Short Fiction, Winter 1996. Find Articles. Network. March 21, 2011. McElrath Jr., Joseph R. “The Artistry of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman's 'The Revolt'.” Short fiction studies. Winter 1980. Premier of academic research. Network. March 21 2011