Class 12 English - HARYANA
Poetry: My Mother at Sixty-Six
My Mother at Sixty-Six by Kamala Das is an emotional poem prescribed for Haryana Board Class 12 English. The poem revolves around the theme of aging, fear of loss, and the separation of a mother and daughter. The poetess observes her mother sleeping beside her in a car, looking pale and corpse-like. This brings back her childhood fear of losing her mother. To distract her mind, she looks outside at young trees sprinting and merry children spilling out of their homes. After reaching the airport, she bids her mother goodbye with a smiling face and words of reassurance.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Aging and Mortality
The poem highlights the inevitable reality of growing old and the approaching death of loved ones through the imagery of the aging mother.
Childhood Fear
The familiar ache of fear of losing her mother, which the poet felt as a child, resurfaces upon seeing her mother's pale, corpse-like face.
Contrast (Imagery)
The poet contrasts the dull, lifeless image of her mother inside the car with the vibrant, energetic imagery of sprinting trees and happy children outside.
Simile and Metaphor
Kamala Das uses powerful literary devices such as a simile comparing her mother's face to a 'corpse' and 'wan, pale as a late winter's moon'.
Parting and Pain
The poignant farewell at the airport underlines the emotional turmoil of the poet who hides her tears behind a continuous smile.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Haryana Board (BSEH) Class 12 English exam, this chapter typically carries 4 to 6 marks. Questions usually include a reference-to-context stanza for poetry comprehension, short answer questions about the central theme, and questions analyzing literary devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the 'late winter's moon' in the poem?
The late winter's moon symbolizes the mother's advanced age, declining energy, and proximity to death, as winter represents the end of a cycle and the moon lacks luster.
Why does the poet smile repeatedly at the end of the poem?
The poet smiles repeatedly to hide her deep inner pain, fear of losing her mother, and to give reassurance to her aging mother before parting.
What do the sprinting trees and merry children signify?
They signify youth, vitality, life, and the fast passage of time, providing a sharp contrast to the decay and old age represented by the mother.
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