My Mother At Sixty-Six Class 12 Important Questions: CBSE English Poetry (Flamingo) Chapter 1

1. Describe the central theme of My Mother at Sixty-six.

Answer: The central theme of the poem revolves around the bond between a mother and daughter, the inevitability of ageing, and the fear of separation. The poet reflects on her mother's old age and the reality of mortality, showcasing the emotional turmoil that arises from the thought of losing a loved one.

2. How does Kamala Das depict the pain of separation in the poem?

Answer: Kamala Das portrays the pain of separation through her vivid description of her mother’s frail appearance, her attempt to divert her attention to the lively scenes outside, and the juxtaposition of her inner turmoil with a brave farewell. The poet's parting words, "See you soon, Amma," encapsulate her suppressed sorrow and hope.

3. Explain the significance of the poet’s observation of the scenes outside the car window.

Answer: The scenes outside the window, including the sprinting trees and playing children, symbolise life, vitality, and youth. They provide a stark contrast to the poet's mother's old age and impending mortality, reflecting the poet's attempt to escape her sorrow and focus on life's vibrancy.

4. Why does the poet compare her mother to a corpse?

Answer: The poet compares her mother to a corpse to emphasise her mother's physical frailty, pallor, and lifeless appearance, which reminds the poet of her mother's old age and proximity to death. This simile evokes a sense of fear and helplessness in the poet.

5. What role does memory play in the poem?

Answer: Memory plays a significant role as the poet reflects on her childhood when her mother was young and vibrant. These memories contrast with her mother’s present condition, amplifying the poet's fear of losing her and the poignancy of their relationship.

6. Discuss the use of symbolism in the poem.

Answer: Kamala Das uses symbolism extensively:

• The "sprinting trees" and "children playing" symbolise life, energy, and youth.

• The "winter's moon" symbolises ageing and the dimming of life.

• The mother’s frail appearance symbolises the inevitability of ageing and mortality.

7. How does the poet use contrast in the poem?

Answer: The poet contrasts her mother's ageing and frailty with the lively scenes outside the car, such as the sprinting trees and cheerful children. This juxtaposition highlights the poet’s inner conflict between accepting the reality of her mother’s mortality and cherishing life’s vibrancy.

8. What is the significance of the poet's parting words to her mother?

Answer: The parting words, "See you soon, Amma," signify the poet’s hope and optimism despite her fear of separation. They also reflect her effort to reassure her mother and suppress her own emotions to maintain a positive farewell.

9. How does the poet portray her emotional journey throughout the poem?

Answer: The poet begins with a feeling of sorrow as she notices her mother’s frailty. She shifts her focus to the lively scenes outside to distract herself but ultimately confronts her fear of separation. Despite her inner turmoil, she bids her mother farewell with hope and a forced smile, masking her grief.

10. What is the significance of the poem’s title?

Answer: The title My Mother at Sixty-six highlights the poet's focus on her mother’s age and the inevitability of ageing and mortality. It encapsulates the theme of the poem, which is the poet’s realisation of her mother’s advancing age and her fear of losing her.

11. How does the poet use imagery to convey her emotions?

Answer: The poet uses vivid imagery, such as her mother's pale face like a corpse, the sprinting trees, and the late winter’s moon, to evoke the emotions of fear, nostalgia, and sorrow. These images help the reader visualise the contrast between life and ageing.

12. What does the "late winter’s moon" symbolise in the poem?

Answer: The "late winter’s moon" symbolises old age, fading vitality, and the dimming of life. It reflects the poet’s mother’s frailty and the inevitability of death, evoking a sense of melancholy.

13. Discuss the universal appeal of the poem.

Answer: The poem has universal appeal as it explores themes of ageing, mortality, and the emotional bond between a parent and child. These themes resonate with everyone, as they are inherent aspects of human relationships and life.

14. How does Kamala Das explore the theme of love and fear in the poem?

Answer: Kamala Das juxtaposes love and fear by expressing her deep affection for her mother and her fear of losing her. The poet’s observations of her mother’s frailty and her own suppressed tears reflect the interplay between these emotions.

15. What emotions dominate the poem?

Answer: The poem is dominated by emotions of love, fear, sorrow, and hope. The poet’s love for her mother and fear of separation are intertwined, creating a poignant emotional journey.

16. Why does the poet shift her attention to the outside scenes during the car ride?

Answer: The poet shifts her attention to the lively scenes outside the car to distract herself from her fear and sorrow over her mother’s frailty. It symbolises her attempt to focus on life and vitality instead of dwelling on the inevitability of death.

17. How does Kamala Das balance personal and universal themes in the poem?

Answer: While the poem is rooted in Kamala Das's personal experience of her mother’s ageing, it addresses universal themes of ageing, mortality, and familial bonds, making it relatable to readers across cultures.

18. How does the poet depict the inevitability of death?

Answer: The poet depicts the inevitability of death through her mother’s frailty and the symbolism of the "late winter’s moon." These images convey the transient nature of life and the certainty of mortality.

19. What is the poet's childhood fear mentioned in the poem?

Answer: The poet’s childhood fear is the fear of separation from her mother, which resurfaces as she observes her mother’s frailty and confronts the reality of her ageing.

20. What role does hope play in the poem?

Answer: Hope is reflected in the poet’s parting words, "See you soon, Amma," which show her optimism and desire to see her mother alive again. It serves as a counterbalance to her sorrow and fear.

21. What is the poet’s attitude towards ageing in the poem?

Answer: The poet accepts ageing as an inevitable phase of life but expresses sorrow and fear at the thought of losing her mother. Her reflections on ageing are tinged with both sadness and love.

22. Why does the poet smile at the end despite her sorrow?

Answer: The poet smiles at the end to hide her sorrow and reassure her mother. This act of bravery shows her attempt to create a positive atmosphere despite her inner turmoil.

23. How does the poet evoke empathy in the reader?

Answer: Through vivid imagery, personal reflections, and universal themes of love and loss, the poet evokes empathy in the reader, making them reflect on their relationships and experiences with ageing and separation.

Points to Remember From Class 12 English Poetry Chapter 1: My Mother At Sixty-Six

• The poem revolves around the universal themes of ageing, mortality, and the emotional bond between a mother and daughter.

• The poem begins with the poet driving to the Cochin airport with her mother, capturing the journey and the poet's reflections.

• The poet contrasts the vitality of the outside world (sprinting trees and children) with her mother’s frailty.

• The poet’s deep affection for her mother is evident in her childhood fear of separation resurfacing as she watches her mother grow older.

• The inevitability of ageing and the importance of cherishing loved ones while they are alive.

• The poem ends with the poet masking her pain and sorrow with a brave smile, reflecting her hope to see her mother again despite the lingering fear of loss.

Benefits of Important Questions for Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 1 Poetry

• Important questions help students explore the central themes of ageing, mortality, and familial bonds, providing a deeper appreciation of the poem.

• Long-answer questions encourage students to analyse the emotional undertones of the poem and express their interpretations effectively.

• Answering detailed questions helps students practice structuring coherent and well-explained responses.

• Students become familiar with a variety of question patterns, including thematic analysis, explanation of literary devices, and interpretation of lines.

• Solving important questions helps students manage their time effectively during exams by practising concise yet comprehensive answers.

• Students learn to interpret abstract and symbolic elements of the poem, enriching their literary analysis skills.

• Covers all aspects of the poem, from meaning and themes to literary style, ensuring students are well-prepared for any type of question in their English examination.

Related Study Materials for Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 1 - Poem

Conclusion

The important questions for Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 1 My Mother at Sixty-Six are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of this poignant poem by Kamala Das. These questions focus on the central themes of love, ageing, and emotional bonding, while also helping students learn the use of literary devices and poetic techniques. By practising these questions, students can improve their critical thinking and answer-writing skills, ensuring a thorough preparation for their exams. Download the FREE PDF now for your English examination with confidence and clarity.

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