Question Answers of My Mother at Sixty Six

21/01/202404/01/2019 by Mir Afzal

What is yard?

Yard is a unit of measuring distance.

Question 4.

Which word means sleeping?

A. Doze
In this context, the word “doze” signifies sleeping.

Question 5.

What is the kind of pain and ache that the poet feels?

The poet experiences a deep and poignant ache that emanates from her connection with her mother. As she carefully observes her mother’s face, she becomes acutely aware of the effects that time has had on her, signaling her impending mortality. It is this realization that engenders a profound sorrow within the poet. The knowledge that her mother is growing old and becoming increasingly dependent on care and assistance weighs heavily on her heart, for she recognizes the absence of anyone to fulfill this role. The poet finds herself burdened by the realization that her mother’s passing is imminent, and once it occurs, she will lose her forever. This fear, rooted in the poet’s childhood, resurfaces and intensifies in the face of her mother’s aging and vulnerability. The pain coursing through her soul is not only derived from witnessing her mother’s physical decline but also from the helplessness she feels in her attempts to alleviate her suffering. The poet is tormented by the thought of irreversible separation that will befall her once her mother breathes her last breath. It is this piercing ache, compounded by the looming shadow of death, that consumes the poet’s heart and soul.

PARTIALLY ANSWERED AND COMBINED ANSWER QUESTIONS

Question 1.

Why has the mother been compared to the “late winter’s moon”?

Sub-Questions

How does the comparison to the “late winter’s moon” contribute to the overall tone or mood of the passage?

The comparison to the “late winter’s moon” contributes to the overall tone or mood of the passage by evoking a sense of melancholy and somberness. The image of the dull and overshadowed moon in late winter creates a subdued atmosphere, reflecting the mother’s declining condition and the approaching end of her life. This comparison enhances the emotional weight of the passage and adds to its overall mood of sadness and loss.

What is the significance of comparing the mother to the “late winter’s moon”?

The significance of comparing the mother to the “late winter’s moon” lies in the parallel drawn between their appearances and states. The moon in late winter lacks brightness and luster, mirroring the mother’s pale and lackluster face. This comparison serves to emphasize the mother’s declining health, frailty, and the imminent end of her life.

How does the comparison to the “late winter’s moon” connect to the theme of the mother’s impending death?

The comparison to the “late winter’s moon” connects to the theme of the mother’s impending death by highlighting the vulnerability and proximity of her demise. Just as the late winter’s moon is nearing the end of its season, the mother is nearing the end of her life. This connection symbolizes the approaching inevitability of death and adds depth to the portrayal of the mother’s decline.

What does the comparison to the “late winter’s moon” imply about the mother’s vitality and age?

The comparison to the “late winter’s moon” implies that the mother’s vitality is diminishing and her age is advanced. The moon in late winter is often overshadowed by fog and mist, suggesting a lack of vibrancy and energy. Similarly, the mother can be overshadowed by death at any time, indicating her fragile state and proximity to the end of her life.

How does the comparison to the “late winter’s moon” reflect the mother’s physical appearance?

The comparison to the “late winter’s moon” reflects the mother’s physical appearance by highlighting her dull and lackluster state. Just as the moon in late winter lacks luster and brightness, the mother’s face is described as pale and wan. This comparison emphasizes the absence of color and vitality in the mother’s physical appearance.

Full Answer Combined

The excerpt from Passage_1 that answers the question “Why has the mother been compared to the ‘late winter’s moon’?” is as follows:

“I looked again at her wan, pale as a late winter’s moon”
In this line, the poet draws a comparison between the mother’s face and a “late winter’s moon.” By describing her as “wan” and “pale,” the poet emphasizes the lack of color and vitality in the mother’s appearance. This likeness to a late winter’s moon, which is often dull and lacks luster, serves to highlight the mother’s declining age and fragility.
Additionally, the comparison with the late winter’s moon suggests the mother’s fading radiance and diminishing brightness. Just as the moon can be overshadowed by fog and mist in the sky, the mother’s presence can be overshadowed by the looming presence of death. This analogy conveys the vulnerability of the mother’s life, implying that she is nearing the end of her journey.
Thus, the comparison to the late winter’s moon not only emphasizes the physical resemblance between the mother and the moon but also symbolizes the mother’s declining health and the imminent conclusion of her life. This multi-layered description adds depth to the poet’s portrayal of the mother’s state and evokes a sense of approaching finality.

Question 2.

Why has the poet brought in the image of the merry children “spilling out of their homes”?

How does the imagery of the children spilling out of their homes connect to the themes of vitality and joy of youth?

The imagery of the children spilling out of their homes connects to the themes of vitality and joy of youth by reminding the poet of the vitality and joy that comes with being young. It symbolizes the boundless energy and zest for life that youth often possesses. The contrast between the children’s exuberance and the aging and eventual death represented by the mother serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of youth and the inevitability of aging.

What is the significance of the contrast between the stillness of the mother and the liveliness of the children?

The contrast between the stillness of the mother and the liveliness of the children emphasizes the fleeting nature of life. It serves as a reminder of the poet’s own mortality and the transience of existence. The children’s energy and enthusiasm highlight the contrast between the vibrancy of youth and the eventual decay of old age.

What does the poet’s mother, who is described as sleeping with her mouth open and looking pale like a corpse, represent?

The poet’s mother represents the end stage of life, aging, and eventual death. Her appearance, with her mouth open and pale like a corpse, symbolizes the frailty and decline associated with old age.

How does the poet use the image of the merry children “spilling out of their homes” to draw a comparison?

The poet uses the image of the merry children spilling out of their homes to draw a comparison between what is traveling with her (representing death) and what she can see outside. It serves as a contrast between life and death, highlighting the vitality and energy of the children in contrast to the stillness and fading nature of her mother.

Full Answer Combined

The poet, Kamala Das, skillfully employs the image of merry children spilling out of their homes to create a poignant contrast between old age and youth. In her poem, the pale and colorless face of her mother represents the somber reality of aging and fading vitality. This portrayal serves as a powerful symbol of old and passive existence. In direct contrast, the presence of the joyous children outside the car embodies the exuberance, energy, and spontaneity of life’s spring. They serve as a symbol of the vibrancy and happiness that accompanies youth.

The poet’s mother, with her mouth open and a pallid complexion resembling a corpse, represents the nearing approach of the end stage of life. This juxtaposition highlights the fleeting nature of existence and forces the poet to confront her own mortality. The image of the children spilling out of their homes acts as a poignant reminder of the vitality and joy associated with youth. It serves as a stark contrast to the aging process and eventual demise that the poet’s mother represents.
By skillfully employing these contrasting images, the poet prompts us to reflect on the transient and ephemeral nature of life. The poet’s contemplation of the children outside the car evokes a sense of longing for the energy and enthusiasm that accompanies youth, while simultaneously acknowledging the inevitable passage of time and the cycle of life and death.

Question 3.

Why are the young trees described as “sprinting”?

Sub-Questions

How does the poet’s perception of the young trees contribute to the overall tone or theme of the passage?

The poet’s perception of the young trees as running past adds to the theme of vitality and energy, contrasting with the stillness of old age represented by the poet’s mother. It highlights the transient nature of youth and the contrast between the dynamism of life and the inevitable stillness of death.

What effect does the poet’s comparison between the young trees and the poet’s mother create?

The poet’s comparison creates a stark contrast between the energy and movement of the young trees and the immobility of the poet’s mother, emphasizing the difference between youth and old age.

How does the poet find the movement of the young trees in relation to the stillness of the poet’s mother?

The poet finds the movement of the young trees to be strikingly opposite to the stillness of the poet’s mother.

What does the poet compare the movement of the young trees to?

The poet contrasts the movement of the young trees with the stillness of the poet’s mother, who is described as looking as still as a dead body.

How does the poet perceive the movement of the young trees?

The poet perceives the movement of the young trees as running past when looked at from the poet’s moving car.

Full Answer Combined

“The contrasting device used by the poet in the poem is the old age of his mother and the young sprinting trees and gorgeous children. The poet compares the energy, vitality, and jubilation of childhood and youth with the old age.”
To further elaborate on this point, the poet’s description of the young trees as “sprinting” carries a profound significance. Taking into consideration the poet’s perspective from a moving car, the visual effect of the trees racing past becomes apparent. This vivid portrayal suggests a sense of urgency and dynamic movement, emphasizing the youthful vigor and vibrancy of the trees. By employing such a vivid image, the poet effectively contrasts the lively nature of the young trees with the stillness and lifelessness exhibited by the poet’s mother, who is likened to a motionless body. This stark juxtaposition between the sprinting trees and the immobility of the mother accentuates the stark contrast between youth and old age, highlighting the energy and liveliness of the former while drawing attention to the inevitable passage of time and the decline that accompanies it. Thus, the poet’s choice to describe the young trees as “sprinting” captures not only their physical appearance but also conveys a deeper reflection on the transitory nature of life and the stark disparities between different stages of existence.”

Questions Answers Of My Mother at Sixty Six

Q. How does the poet describe her mother in the poem?
Answer: The poet describes her mother as an elderly woman who has become dull, inactive and worn out due to old age. She is often dosing and unconscious of herself as a dead person.

Q. Why does the poet look outside? What activities does the poet see outside the car window?

Answer: The poet realises that her mother is about to die. The thought of her mother’s numbered days makes her anxious, and she looks outside to distract her attention from her mother. Outside the car window, the poet sees young trees sprinting. She also finds very active, energetic and lively children coming out of their homes.

Q. Why are young trees described as sprinting?

Answer: The young trees are described as sprinting with respect to the car because the movement of the racing car makes the trees look as if they are running along. It has also a deeper meaning. By sprinting young trees, the poet means that the youth passes quickly out of human life and that a person enters his old age and approaches his death.

Q. Why is the mother compared to the late winter’s moon?

Answer: The mother is compared to the late winter moon because, like the moon of the winter season, the mother of the poet also looks dull, greyish, pale, and her strength is waning.

Q. What childhood fears do you think the poet is referring to in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six”?

Answer: The fear of childhood to which the poet refers is the anxious feeling of losing her mother. The poet feels uncomfortable and unprotected when she thinks she is losing her mother. She doesn’t expect to see her mother again. She, therefore, shows a childish reluctance to leave her mother.

Q. What does Kamala Das do after the security checkup? What does she notice?

Answer: The poet stands a few steps away from her mother and looks at her after the security checkup. She notices that her mother looks pale, wrinkled and worn out than ever before. This makes her realise that her mother is living her final days of life.

Extra Questions

a) What does the poet actually feel at this moment?

Answer: In fact, the poet feels very depressed and dismayed at the sight of her old mother.

b) Why did the poet say “see you soon Amma”? What does the poet actually mean by „smile and smile and smile….”? What kind of smile is it?

Answer: The poet said, ” See you soon Amma, ” to give moral support and encouragement to her mother. She said so that she would give her mother hope to see her daughter again.
By ” smile and smile and smile… “, she means to make herself and her mother hope to see each other again. In fact, it’s a painful smile. The poet tries to hide his swelling emotions with a smile. By using this poetic device of repetition, the poet has enriched the poetic language by depicting many hidden emotions through ” smile ”

Q. Cite an example of one device of contrast that the poet uses in the poem.

Answer: The device of contrast that the poet uses in the poem is between her mother’ s old age, and the young trees and children playing happily. The poet compares the suffering and weakness of the old age with the youth, energy, vitality and childhood jubilation.

“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 realize with pain that she was as old as she looked

a) Where was the poet driving to? Who was sitting beside her?

Answer: The poet was driving to Cochin. The poet”s mother was sitting next to her.

b) What did the poet notice about the mother?

Answer: She noticed that her mother was weak, pale and unconscious like a dead body.

c) Why did the mother”s face look like that of a corpse?

Answer: The mother”s face looked like a corpse because it had turned pale, greyish and was dosing open-mouthed due to old age.

Q. Discuss the mother-daughter relationship as described in the poem.

Answer: The relationship between mother and daughter as described in the poem is very sensitive and full of love, care and emotions. Mother has a profound emotional connection with her children and doesn’t want them to be away. In particular, she gets more concerned and worried about her children when the mother reaches her old age.

Daughter also tends to have a specific kind of emotional bond with her mother. She tries to keep her mother close and feels very bad and worried when she is separated from her. In this poem, the mother doesn’t want her daughter to leave her; the daughter likewise gives a mysterious and indefinable smile that shows unwillingness and anxiety to leave her mother.

Q. “My Mother at sixty-six” is an emotional account of the poet about her old mother. Discuss.

Answer: ” My Mother at Sixty Six” is a poet’s emotional account of her mother’s last days. She is very sorry and disappointed to see her old, grey, wrinkled and dull face. She tries her best to change her mind, but she remains unsuccessful, and this thought continues to haunt her mind. Till the end of the poem, she feels very sorry and depressed about her mother’s declining age. She can not shed her fears and emotions with the fear of dismaying her mother. She bids her mother farewell by smiling in order to hide her hurt feelings and to encourage her mother.

Q. Why has the poet brought in the image of the merry children ‘spilling out of their homes’?

Answer: The poet, Kamala Das, used the image of merry children who spill out of their homes to contrast the old age with the young. The pale, colourless face of her mother stands for old and fading age. Happy children symbolise life’s spring, vigour and happiness. They also symbolise the spontaneity of life, as opposed to her old mother’s passive and inactive life.

Q. What do the parting words of the poet and her smile signify?

Answer: The poet’s parting words,’ see you soon, Amma,’ express the dilemma and the confusion of her mind. The words not only hide her anxiety and fear about her old mother’s rather fragile health but they also reflect a slight hope that the old woman will survive long enough that they will meet again.

My Mother at Sixty Six | Literacy Devices

Q. The poet compares her mother to many things. Pick out two similes which reinforce this comparison.

Answer: The poet has used many similes in this poem. Two of them are mentioned as follows:
1. “Her face ashen like that of a corpse.”
2. “I looked again at her wan, pale as a late winter”s moon”

Q. What image does the poet use to describe death in the poem?

Answer: The image of “corpse” has been used to describe death in the poem.

Q. Cite an example of one device of contrast that the poet uses in the poem.

Answer: The contrasting device used by the poet in the poem is the old age of his mother and the young sprinting trees and gorgeous children. The poet compares the energy, vitality and jubilation of childhood and youth with the old age.

Q. Smile and smile and smile…..is a poetic device. What is it called?

Answer: ” Smile, smile and smile… ” is a poetic device called repetition which is used to make a poem rhythmically impressive using fewer words. The words are repeated to make the poem thought-provoking.

Personification: This device of rhetoric is used to give human qualities to something which is not human. In this poem, the poetic device of personification is used for trees in line 12. The poet imagines the trees are running next to her car.

Apostrophe: This rhetorical device is used when a poet addresses his or her poem to a missing audience. In this poem, the poet uses the apostrophe device in line 18 when she speaks directly to her mother as ” Amma, ” although we never see the mother answering the poet.

Read Also: Summary of My Mother at Sixty Six