How do we handle the depictions of mothers in literature? What is the function of motherhood within larger institutions? What are some goals for exploring the maternal identity within the classroom? Why do so many professors, students, and readers dismiss motherhood as irrelevant to modern life? The literary mother reflects our cultural intersections of gender, race, class, sexuality, disability politics, religion, education, geography, and so much more. In today's episode, Paige and Margaret consider the position of mothers in academia and in literature. From handling odd off-hand comments from colleagues to helping students examine the pressures of identity restrictions and intersections. Join us as we blame Freud for all of our problems and chat about new approaches for understanding literary mothers!