Mother

by Maksim Gorky

"Mother" by Maksim Gorky is a novel written in 1906 about revolutionary factory workers. It follows Pelageya Nilovna Vlasova, a woman enduring brutal poverty and manual labor in a Russian factory. When her son Pavel becomes involved in revolutionary activities, the illiterate mother gradually transforms from fearful bystander to active participant in the movement. Based on real events from a 1902 May Day demonstration, the novel blends political awakening with biblical imagery, portraying revolutionaries as martyrs fighting against exploitation by authorities and the wealthy.