The Simpsons' Marge: The Voice of Reason

Throughout her many years on the air, Marge Simpson has tackled just about every possible problem that can arise in the role of Mom, Wife, and Homemaker. There simply isn't anything that she can't do. However, her greatest role in the Simpson family and in the TV show is simply to serve the voice of reason.

How many times has Marge tried to get Homer to watch what he eats, tried keep Bart out of trouble, provided Lisa with a role model as well as much need advice, juggled baby Maggie, and kept a spotless house - all without messing up a single hair in her blue beehive? All too many. She is the glue that keeps the Simpson household together; she accomplishes it all by using simple common sense.

As together as Marge seems most of the time, there is a palpable anger just below the surface that explodes every now and then. There have been times when she followed in the steps of Thelma and Louise, stopped her car in the middle of traffic, ran off to spas, and more. In the end, in her absence, her family appreciates her all the more. They realize just how much they need her in their daily lives, just how much they love her.

As great as things are right after Marge returns from her breaks, it never lasts long. Inevitably, Homer, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie take her for granted again. They go about their daily lives not realizing that she is what helps make them tick. It normally takes upsetting her feelings or pushing her to the limit for her to receive the recognition she deserves. For example, in the episode where she and Bart would go for a bike ride everyday in order to have tea, Bart soon realizes just what a Mama's boy he has become. In usual Bart fashion, he rebels and hurts Marge's feelings. In the end, Marge realizes that Bart might become too attached to her; instead, they find other activities to do together.