CHAPTER-1
MY MOTHER AT SIXTY SIX
KAMALA DAS
KAMALA DAS’ BIOGRAPHY
o
Full Name: Kamala Surayya (popularly
known as Kamala Das)
o
Pen Name: Madhavikutty (used in
Malayalam writings)
o
Birth: 31 March 1934, Kerala,
India
o
Languages: Wrote both in English and Malayalam.
o
Profession: Poet, short story writer,
and autobiographer.
o
Literary Period: Post-Independence Indian
English Literature.
o
Major Themes:
·
Love and emotional honesty
·
Feminine identity and freedom
·
Loneliness and inner conflict
o
Famous Works:
·
Summer in Calcutta (poetry collection)
·
The Descendants
·
My Story (autobiography)
·
The Old Playhouse and Other Poems
o
Writing Style:
·
Simple, direct, and emotional.
·
Bold expression of a woman’s feelings and desires.
o
Awards:
·
Asian Poetry Prize
·
Sahitya Akademi Award (for her writing in
Malayalam)
o
Death: 31 May 2009, Pune,
Maharashtra.
o
Legacy: Remembered as one of India’s most honest and powerful female
voices in English poetry.
MY MOTHER AT SIXTY SIX SUMMARY
The poem “My Mother at Sixty-Six”
by Kamala Das expresses the poet’s deep feelings of love, fear, and anxiety
about her aging mother.
While driving to the Cochin airport, the poet looks at her mother sitting
beside her. She notices her mother’s pale, ashen face, which looks lifeless and
old—like a corpse. This sight makes the poet realise that her mother is getting
old and that death is approaching.
To distract herself from this painful thought, she turns her attention outside
the car window. She sees the young trees sprinting and happy children playing
outside, which symbolise youth, energy, and life—contrasting sharply with her
mother’s old age and weakness.
At the airport, while parting, she once again looks at her mother’s face and
feels the same fear of losing her that she had felt in her childhood. But she
hides her emotions behind a smile and says “see you soon, Amma,” trying to
appear cheerful and hopeful.
Through this simple yet emotional poem, Kamala Das beautifully captures the
universal fear of separation and the pain of seeing one’s loved ones grow old.
MY MOTHER AT SIXTY SIX EXPLANATION
STANZA
1
Driving from my parent’s home to
Cochin last Friday morning,
I saw my mother, beside me,
doze, open mouthed, her face
ashen like that of a corpse and realised with pain
that she was as old as she looked...
EXPLANATION (ENGLISH): The poet is going to Cochin airport from her parents’
home. Her mother is sitting beside her and sleeping with her mouth open. Her
face looks very pale and dull, like a dead body. The poet feels sad when she
realises that her mother has grown very old and weak. This thought brings pain
to her heart.
EXPLANATION (HINDI): कवयित्री अपने माता-पिता के घर से कोचीन हवाई अड्डे
जा रही होती हैं। उनकी माँ उनके पास बैठी होती हैं और मुँह खुला रखकर झपकी ले रही
होती हैं। माँ का चेहरा बहुत पीला और फीका लगता है, जैसे किसी मृत शरीर का हो। कवयित्री को यह देखकर दुख
होता है कि उनकी माँ अब बूढ़ी और कमजोर हो गई हैं। यह सोचकर उनके मन में दर्द उठता
है।
STANZA 2
...but soon
put that thought away, and
looked out at Young
Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes...
EXPLANATION (ENGLISH): The poet doesn’t want to keep thinking about her
mother’s old age. To divert her mind, she looks outside the car window. She
sees young trees running backward as the car moves, and happy children playing
outside their houses. These lively sights show youth, energy, and life — just
the opposite of her mother’s tired and lifeless face.
EXPLANATION (HINDI): कवयित्री अपनी माँ की बुढ़ापे वाली सोच को मन से निकालना
चाहती हैं। इसलिए वह कार की खिड़की के बाहर देखती हैं। उन्हें पेड़ पीछे की ओर
दौड़ते हुए दिखाई देते हैं और बच्चे अपने घरों के बाहर खुशी से खेलते नज़र आते
हैं। ये दृश्य जीवन, जोश और युवावस्था का प्रतीक हैं — जो उनकी माँ के थके और फीके चेहरे के
बिल्कुल विपरीत हैं।
STANZA 3:
but after the airport’s
security check, standing a few yards
away, I looked again at her, wan, pale
as a late winter’s moon...
EXPLANATION (ENGLISH): After reaching the airport, the poet passes the
security check and looks back at her mother standing a little far away. Her
mother’s face looks pale and faded, just like the weak light of the moon in the
cold winter sky. The “winter’s moon” shows old age and loneliness.
EXPLANATION (HINDI): हवाई अड्डे पहुँचने के बाद कवयित्री सुरक्षा जांच पार
करती हैं और कुछ दूरी पर खड़ी अपनी माँ की ओर देखती हैं। उनकी माँ का चेहरा पीला
और मुरझाया हुआ लगता है, जैसे ठंडी सर्दियों की रात में फीकी चाँदनी। “सर्दियों का चाँद” माँ की वृद्धावस्था
और अकेलेपन का प्रतीक है।
STANZA 4
and felt that old
familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,
but all I said was, see you soon, Amma,
all I did was smile and smile and smile...
EXPLANATION (ENGLISH): When the poet sees her mother like this, she feels the
same old pain that she used to feel in childhood — the fear of losing her
mother. But she doesn’t show her sadness. Instead, she smiles again and again,
and says “see you soon, Amma.” Her smile hides her worry and shows her hope to
meet her mother again.
EXPLANATION (HINDI): अपनी माँ को इस हालत में देखकर कवयित्री को वही
पुराना दर्द महसूस होता है जो वह बचपन में महसूस करती थीं — माँ को खो देने का डर।
लेकिन वह अपना दुख जाहिर नहीं करतीं। इसके बजाय, वह बार-बार मुस्कुराती हैं और कहती हैं — “फिर मिलेंगे
अम्मा।” उनकी यह मुस्कान उनके डर को छिपाती है और उम्मीद जताती है कि वह अपनी माँ
से फिर मिलेंगी।
MY MOTHER AT SIXTY SIX SHORT QUESTION
1.
The pain of separation is expressed both literally and
metaphorically in this poem. Elucidate.
Answer: In this poem, the poet feels the pain of separation from her
aging mother. Literally, she is going away from her mother while leaving for
the airport. Metaphorically, she feels the deeper fear of permanent
separation through death as her mother grows old and weak.
2.
Comment on the tone of the poem with references to “My Mother at
SixtySix”.
Answer: The tone
of “My Mother at Sixty-Six” is emotional, sad, and reflective. The poet feels
deep worry after seeing her mother’s pale, aging face. Her fear of losing her
mother creates a gentle but painful tone. Even though she smiles, the poem
remains filled with quiet sorrow and love.
3.
How does Kamala Das try to put away the thoughts of her
ageingmother?
Answer: Kamala
Das tries to push away the painful thoughts of her mother’s old age by looking
outside the car window. She focuses on the lively sights of young trees
seemingly running and happy children playing. These images help her divert her
mind from her mother’s weakness and aging.
4.
What were Kamala Das, fears as a child? Why do they surface when she
is going to the airport? Answer:
As a child, Kamala Das feared losing her mother. This same fear returns when
she sees her mother’s pale and weak face while going to the airport. Her
mother’s aging reminds her of the possibility of separation, bringing back the
childhood fear of being left alone.
5.
Why has the poet brought in the image of the merry children
spillingout of their homes?
Answer: The poet uses the image of merry children spilling out of their
homes to show the contrast between youth and old age. The children represent
energy, life, and joy, while her mother looks tired, pale, and weak. This
lively picture helps the poet divert her mind from the painful thought of her
mother’s ageing.
6.
State the common issue faced by most of the aged in the current
times, with reference to the poem My Mother at Sixty-six.
Answer: In today’s world, many aged people face the problem of
loneliness and neglect.
In the poem, the poet’s mother looks pale, weak, and isolated, showing how
older people often feel left out when their children become busy. Their ageing
brings emotional distance and a fear of being alone.
7.
Interpret the use of visual imagery by Kamala Das in her poem to
depict the passage of time.
Answer: Kamala
Das uses strong visual images to show the passage of time.
She compares her mother’s pale, lifeless face to a corpse and later to a late
winter’s moon, showing how age slowly weakens a person.
In contrast, the young trees sprinting and children playing represent youth and
the freshness of life.
These images highlight how time moves forward — youth remains active while old
age becomes dull and fading.
MY MOTHER AT SIXTY SIX SHORT QUESTION
1.
Imagine the mother gets to know of the poet persona’s fears. Write a
letter, as the mother, telling the daughter why she must not dwell on these
fears.
You may begin this way:
Pallipuram
Cochin, Kerala
22 August ‘60
My dear Kamala I am writing to you because when you left me at the airport, I
felt something wasn’t right. Judging by how little you spoke that day
………………………. ………………………………………(continue)…………………………………
With love Amma
Answer: Pallipuram
Cochin, Kerala
22 August ’60
My dear Kamala,
I am writing to you because when you left me at the airport, I felt something
wasn’t right. Judging by how little you spoke that day, I sensed a worry in
your eyes. My child, you must not let fear trouble your heart. Ageing is a
natural part of life, and I have accepted it with peace. You should remember
that I have lived a full life, filled with love, memories, and the joy of
watching you grow.
Do not burden yourself with thoughts of losing me. Instead, cherish our moments
together. Life becomes lighter when we focus on what we have, not what we may
lose. I want you to be happy, strong, and hopeful. My blessings are always with
you, no matter where you go.
With love,
Amma
2.
Imagine you are the poet’s friend.
Write a dialogue exchange between yourself and the poet where the latter
confides in you about her fears and asks for your advice. What would your
advice be –to face her fears, to ignore them or something else?
Answer: Poet (Kamala): I don’t
know why, but today when I saw my mother’s pale face, I felt a deep fear. It
reminded me of my childhood. I’m scared of losing her.
Friend: I understand, Kamala. Ageing can be painful to watch. What
exactly made you feel this way?
Poet (Kamala): Her face looked so weak… almost lifeless. I kept smiling
at her, but inside I was afraid. I don’t know how to handle this feeling.
Friend: Kamala, it’s natural to feel this fear. But instead of avoiding
it, you should accept it calmly. Spend more time with her, talk to her, and
cherish the moments you still have.
Poet (Kamala): Do you really think that will help?
Friend: Yes. Love her, be present with her, and don’t let fear steal
your peace. Ageing is a part of life, but your love can make it easier—for both
of you.
3.
The different portrayals of women in the texts 'Aunt Jennifer's
Tigers', 'Going Places', 'Lost Spring', and 'My Mother at Sixty-six' , offer
insights into the experiences of women in society. You have been asked to
address your peers and share-
→ the ways these portrayals highlight the diversity of the female experience.
→ the importance of understanding each individual woman's challenges and
experiences.
Compose this draft, with reference to any three of these prescribed texts.
listed above.
You may begin this way:
Good morning, everyone.
As I analysed the allotted texts...
You may end this way.
To conclude, I’d like to say that ...
Answer: Good morning, everyone.
As I analysed the allotted texts, I realised that each text presents a unique
and powerful portrayal of women, showing how diverse the female experience can
be. Through ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’, ‘Going Places’, and ‘My Mother at
Sixty-Six’, we see different stages of life, different struggles, and different
dreams of women.
In ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’, Aunt Jennifer represents women who are trapped in
an unhappy marriage and burdened by patriarchal control. Her embroidery becomes
her escape, showing how creativity gives women a voice even when society
silences them.
In ‘Going Places’, Sophie represents young girls who dream big and imagine a
better life for themselves. Her fantasies show the hopes, ambitions, and
pressures faced by teenage girls who want to rise above their limitations.
In ‘My Mother at Sixty-Six’, we see the reality of ageing through the poet’s
mother. She shows the quiet struggles of older women—loneliness, weakness, and
the fear of being left behind—while also highlighting the deep bond between
mother and daughter.
These portrayals remind us that no two women share the same journey. Each woman
faces different challenges, shaped by age, society, family, and personal
dreams.
To conclude, I’d like to say that understanding these individual experiences
helps us respect the strength, pain, and resilience of every woman, and makes
us more sensitive to the diverse realities women live across their lives.
MY MOTHER AT SIXTY SIX EXTRACT BASED
QUESTION
EXTRACT-1
|
… I saw my mother, |
i.
What does
the imagery of the ‘ashen face’ of the mother suggest about her physical
condition? 1
ii.
Complete
the following with the correct option.
The speaker’s use of the word 'realised' suggests that her awareness was
_______ (delayed / expected / sudden).Choose the correct option:
By using the expression 'never pass into nothingness' the poet states that
nature's beauty will create a_____________ (lasting/temporary)impression on
man's mind.
iii.
How does
the phrase ‘merry children spilling out of their homes’ contribute to the tone
of the passage? 1
iv.
Complete
the sentence by filling in the blank with a suitable phrase.
The primary theme highlighted in the extract is the _______ , as the narrator
reflects on her mother’s frailty and aging. 1
v.
What can
be inferred about the emotional state of the speaker in the extract?
a) Distracted by the liveliness of the surroundings
b) Concerned about her mother’s discomfort
c) Overwhelmed by a sense of anguish
d) Preoccupied with thoughts about life experiences
vi.
All of the
following are true for the extract EXCEPT –
a) The comparison to a ‘corpse’ highlights the speaker’s fear of losing her
mother.
b) The poet makes exclusive use of melancholic imagery in the given lines.
c) The speaker’s internal conflict creates a relatable portrayal of human
relationships.
d) The universality of themes makes the lines relevant to the readers.
ANSWER
i. The
‘ashen face’ suggests weakness, frailty, and the nearness of old age,
indicating that the mother is
physically exhausted and declining.
ii. sudden.
iii. The
phrase ‘merry children spilling out of their homes’ adds a cheerful and lively
contrast, lightening the tone and highlighting the difference between youthful
energy and the mother’s aging.
iv. The
primary theme highlighted in the extract is the fear of losing a loved one /
inevitability of aging.
v. Correct
option: c) Overwhelmed by a sense of anguish
vi. Statement
NOT true:
b) The poet makes exclusive use of melancholic imagery in the given lines.
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