A Modern Woman in a Not-So-Modern AgeMary Wilkins Freeman, "Mother's Rebellion" first appeared in Harper's Bazaar in 1890, as a short story. The story is fraught with conflict throughout. Sarah Penn's (mother) conflict is driven by her strong belief in fair treatment from her husband. She is in conflict with her husband, the community and the gender role defined by the social conventions of that time. Sarah's conflict with her husband begins in the first sentences of the story. Mother asks a question that Father does not want to answer. The mother confronts her husband, saying, “Listen, father, I want to know why these men are digging in the fields, and I’m going to find out. Father tries to ignore Mother by not answering her question. When he thinks she won't accept his silence as an answer, the father responds, "I wish you would come into the house, mother, and mind your own business." The father's actions set a clear tone for the reader: men are supposed to be responsible for making decisions and the woman's role is to accept the decision he deems best for the family. Sarah continues to bully her husband until he tells her about the barn. Sarah replies: “A barn? Aren't you going to build a barn over there where we were going to have a house, father? » Conflict arises again between Sarah and her husband when she demands that her husband come and speak. with her. Sarah begins by saying, “I want to know why you’re building this new barn, Father? The father's quick response is: "I have nothing to say about that." » Sarah continues her dialogue by saying: “I'm going to speak to you very clearly: I never felt like I married you, but I'm going to do it now. I've never complained, and I'm not. I'm going to complain now, but I'm going to speak frankly. Sarah begins to complain about how Farther puts barns and cows ahead of his family obligations. Her husband responds by saying, “I don’t.” I have nothing to say." Adoniram went back to work. Sarah was still angry. She went into his room and started crying. Adoniram went to Vermont to buy a new horse he had always wanted. Again once he makes decisions for the family without consulting Sarah..