Morals in Mary Poppins

The film Marry Poppins (1964) addresses several life lessons to the children taught by Mary Poppins. For example, when she teaches the children the importance of work when getting the children to clean the nursery she states: “ In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and snap, the job’s a game!” Here, Mary Poppins is teaching that in every ‘job’ every responsibility of work there is a positive side which can be taken one just has to find that light and work with it.

Another lesson Mary Poppins teaches is to accept one’s consequences. She teaches this when she is giving the children their medicine after they have been caught in the rain. She states: “People who get their feet wet must learn to take their medicine.” Here, she is teaching that one has to accepts the consequences in life for the actions that they make and the actions upon them. They did not mean to get caught in the rain but they did and thus they have to accept the consequences of that.

Another principle taught in the film is the acceptance of people regardless of their class. England is a very class oriented society and that is seen within the characters. However, the acceptance which Mary Poppins has for Bert teaches that the views of even a lonely street artist are important and have weight to be heard. Also, the mother’s involvement in women’s rights provides an interesting commentary on social class. The film takes place in 1910 and shows the work of protestors including the mother as they fight for women’s rights. Having the mother be an active part of the women's rights movement portrays women in a positive light and promote equality between men and women.

Another theme of the story is family. The whole arch of the story, is that of the family being brought together emotionally. The children were feeling neglected by their father at the beginning but the father comes to appreciate their views and insights. This is seen in the seen in which Mr. Banks is fired. In this seen he pulls out the two toppins of his son and realizes his love and devotion is with his family not with the Bank he works for. He then proceeds to spend more time with his family by flying a kite with them.

Overall, the film teaches several life lessons including the importance of family, the importance of accepting ones consequences in life, and the importance of finding joy in the work you do.