Sure!
Here's a complete CBSE Class 12 English summary of the poem "My Mother at Sixty-Six"
by Kamala Das, explained according to the CBSE curriculum:
Poem Name: My Mother at Sixty-Six
Poet: Kamala Das
Book: Flamingo (English Core – Class 12)
Summary (As per CBSE Pattern)
"My Mother at Sixty-Six" is a deeply emotional and personal poem by Kamala Das, where she
reflects on the pain of aging, the fear of losing loved ones, and the bond between a mother and
daughter.
Line-by-Line Summary:
The poet is driving from her parent’s home to the airport. Her mother is sitting beside her in the
car.
She notices her mother dozing, and her pale, ashen face reminds her of a corpse.
This sight shocks and saddens the poet, making her realize how old and weak her mother has
become (she is 66 years old).
To distract herself from this depressing thought, she looks outside the window at the world
full of life and energy – trees sprinting, children playing.
This contrast (between the aging mother and youthful life outside) makes her feel the
inevitability of death even more strongly.
At the airport, as she says goodbye, she hides her emotions, just like she used to do as a
child.
She smiles to cover her pain, even though deep inside she fears it might be her last time
seeing her mother alive.
Themes
Aging and mortality
Fear of separation and death
Unspoken love and emotional pain
Mother-daughter bond
Contrast between youth and old age
Poetic Devices
Device Example Effect
Simile "as a late winter’s moon" Compares mother’s face to fading winter
moon
Contrast Between mother’s old age and young Highlights the cycle of life
children
Repetition "smile and smile and smile..." Emphasizes her effort to hide her sorrow
Imagery "trees sprinting", "children spilling out" Visual imagery of life and motion
Message / Moral
Kamala Das beautifully captures a universal emotion—the fear of losing one’s mother. The poem
reminds us that aging is natural, but the emotional impact it has on our relationships is deeply
profound. It teaches us to value time with our loved ones and to confront life's realities with
strength and grace.
Important Lines for CBSE Exams
1.
"Her face ashen like that of a corpse" – Symbolizes aging and approaching death.
2.
"Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling out of their homes" – Symbolizes youth, energy,
and life.
3.
"All I did was smile and smile and smile..." – Shows emotional restraint and silent suffering.
Let me know if you need important questions, MCQs, or a poetic analysis for revision!
Great! Here's a helpful revision pack for the poem "My Mother at Sixty-Six" by Kamala Das, as per
the CBSE Class 12 English syllabus:
Important Questions (Short & Long Answer)
Short Answer Type Questions (2-3 marks)
1.
What is the significance of the title "My Mother at Sixty-Six"?
It emphasizes the mother’s age and the associated fear of aging, decay, and eventual
death.
2.
Why does the poet compare her mother’s face to a “late winter’s moon”?
The “late winter’s moon” is pale and fading, just like the mother’s face, symbolizing old age
and loss of vitality.
3.
Why did the poet look out of the window?
To divert her mind from the painful reality of her mother’s aging and approaching death.
4.
What do “young trees sprinting” and “merry children spilling” signify?
These symbolize life, energy, and youth, which contrast with the stillness and aging of the
mother.
5.
Why does the poet repeat the word “smile” in the last line?
To convey her emotional struggle in hiding her fear and pain under a brave face.
Long Answer Type Questions (5-6 marks)
1.
Describe the emotions of the poet in "My Mother at Sixty-Six."
The poet feels sadness, fear, and helplessness upon seeing her mother’s deteriorating
health. Despite trying to stay strong, she is deeply affected by the thought of losing her
mother. She hides her emotions and smiles through her pain.
2.
Explain the contrast presented in the poem and its significance.
There is a sharp contrast between the old, weak mother and the vibrant life outside (trees
and children). This contrast highlights the natural cycle of life—youth versus aging—and
brings out the poet’s inner conflict.
3.
How does Kamala Das use imagery to enhance the impact of the poem?
She uses vivid images like “ashen face,” “corpse,” “late winter’s moon,” “trees sprinting,”
etc., to create strong visual and emotional effects that portray aging, life, and loss.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1.
What does the phrase “ashen like that of a corpse” suggest?
A. Joy
B. Brightness
C. Lifelessness
D. Anger
2.
The poet uses the image of "a late winter’s moon" to show:
A. Happiness
B. Weakness and fading life
C. Darkness
D. Cold weather
3.
Where is the poet going?
A. To a hospital
B. To the airport
C. To her house
D. To a park
4.
What emotion is the poet trying to hide by smiling at the end?
A. Anger
B. Fear and pain
C. Excitement
D. Indifference
Poetic Analysis
Tone: Emotional, nostalgic, introspective
Mood: Sad and reflective
Rhyme Scheme: Free verse (no rhyme, no strict meter)
Structure: One continuous stanza symbolizing the flow of thoughts and emotions
Let me know if you want the same format for any other chapters or poems from the Flamingo or
Vistas books!
