The Mother of a Traitor: "Is it she?"

In Gorky's "The Mother of a Traitor", the exchange "Is it she?" and "It is she" is whispered by the townspeople when they see Monna Marianna. It tells us that she was already well known, and that the people regarded her with hostility and suspicion.

What the exchange shows

• The people did not need to say her name; "she" was enough, because everyone knew who she was: the mother of the man who had betrayed the city.
• They spoke in low, hard voices, which shows that they felt hatred and scorn, and held her responsible for her son's treason.
• She was a public figure of shame in their eyes, an object of curiosity and blame.

What they did when they saw her

• They stopped, stared at her and drew back from her instead of speaking to her kindly.
• They threatened her with words and looks, treating her as an enemy.
• Some warned or insulted her, believing she would help her son.

Why

• The city was in danger because of her son, who had joined the enemy. The people were frightened and angry, and in their anger they punished the nearest person.
• They did not know her real purpose or the pain she carried. They judged her by her son's act and not by her own loyalty.

The scene shows the injustice of collective blame and prepares for the final revelation of Monna Marianna's courage.