Mom Luby And The Social Worker

Question 1

Summary

Answer 1

This short story is about an elderly woman, fondly called Mom Luby, who fosters two small
children. The story opens with her visit to the Social Welfare office, in order to obtain monetary
assistance in taking care of the children. She then returns home to find people waiting to get let
in to the speakeasy that she runs in her back room. There is a knock on the door, but instead of
the police - coming to collect money - it is a social worker. The social worker, Miss Rushmore,
visits in order to investigate the living conditions of the children.

Question 2

Setting

Answer 2

 The United States of America.

 Between 1920-1933, the time of the Prohibition in the United States.

Question 3

Main Characters

Answer 3

Mom Luby
Miss Rushmore
Elijah (narrator) & Puddin’

Question 4

Characteristics of Mom Luby

Answer 4

 An elderly woman who is as strong as any young woman.
 She has white hair and false teeth.
 She runs a speakeasy in the back room of her house.
 She fosters two young children.
 She is a midwife, herb doctor and ordained minister of the Gospel.
 She’s a very productive woman who helps the people in her community.
 She is very proud.

Question 5

Characteristics of Miss Rushmore

Answer 5

 She works at the Department of Child Welfare, Bureau of Family Assistance.
 She is very thorough in her investigation of Mom Luby.
 She is awed by Mom Luby’s productivity.

Question 6

Characteristics of Elijah (narrator) & Puddin’

Answer 6

The two young children that Mom Luby fosters.

Question 7

Theme

Answer 7

Love and Family Relationship