In The Revolt of 'Mother,' how does Freeman reveal Mother's character through description and figurative language?

The author uses rather concise language to create in the
character of Mother a strong woman, who has been taught to honor and obey her husband. 
She does not hesitate to ask for the things she wants or inquire about things the family
needs.  However, regardless of his answer, she goes back to work in a dutiful and quiet
manner.

It is obvious from her body language and the
description of Mother's reactions to her husband's answers about the digging and the
plans for a new barn in the exact place which had been promised for their new house,
that Mother is not pleased with her husband's
decision.

Only after her daughter's angry suggestion that
they have her wedding in the new barn, however, is it clear what Mother plans to do. 
From her reaction to the arrival of her brother's letter inviting Adoniram to come look
at a horse he might be interesting in buying, the reader can suppose she had something
to do with that letter.  However, in the hours immediately following her husband's
departure, she and the family are busy moving into the barn and moving the new hay order
and the new livestock into both the old barn and the old
house.

Of course, her husband and the neighbors act
appropriately shocked and put out with Mother's action, but the understatement of her
actions speak loudly through her meek but not weak character.  She has never raised her
voice, she has never openly defied her husband, there has never been an ugly outbreak of
confrontation.  However, her actions speak loudly enough for everyone.  She is serious
about providing properly for her family, and the cows don't need a better housing
provision.