My Mother at Sixty-six Questions Answers Class 12 2024

My Mother at Sixty-six Questions Answers Class 12 2024 proves to be a valuable study aid for CBSE Class 12 students. This resource encompasses crucial NCERT-based Q&A and supplementary significant questions derived from the ‘Flamingo’ English textbook for Class XII (Core Course).

Summary of the poem, Mother at Sixty-six Class 12

In “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das, the poem portrays the poet’s emotional journey as she accompanies her aging mother to the airport. The mother, at sixty-six, is fragile and exhibits signs of physical decline. The speaker observes her mother’s vulnerability during the car ride and contemplates the inevitable separation that time brings. The emotional weight of potential loss and mortality becomes palpable. While the poem doesn’t explicitly mention death, the underlying fear and concern for the mother’s well-being are evident. The work beautifully captures the complex emotions associated with aging, love, and the impending separation that is a part of the natural course of life.

Translation

कमला दास की “माई मदर एट सिक्सटी-सिक्स” में, कविता कवि की भावनात्मक यात्रा को चित्रित करती है जब वह अपनी वृद्ध माँ के साथ हवाई अड्डे तक जाती है। छियासठ साल की उम्र में माँ नाजुक है और शारीरिक गिरावट के लक्षण दिखाती है। वक्ता कार की सवारी के दौरान अपनी माँ की असुरक्षा को देखती है और समय के साथ आने वाले अपरिहार्य अलगाव पर विचार करती है। संभावित हानि और मृत्यु दर का भावनात्मक भार स्पष्ट हो जाता है। हालाँकि कविता में स्पष्ट रूप से मृत्यु का उल्लेख नहीं है, लेकिन माँ की भलाई के लिए अंतर्निहित भय और चिंता स्पष्ट है। यह काम उम्र बढ़ने, प्यार और आसन्न अलगाव से जुड़ी जटिल भावनाओं को खूबसूरती से दर्शाता है जो जीवन के प्राकृतिक पाठ्यक्रम का एक हिस्सा है।

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Q4 My Mother at Sixty-six Questions Answers Class 12 MCQ Extract Based 1

Read the following extract and choose the correct option.

A.  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 realized with pain 

that she was as old as she 

looked but soon 

put that thought away… 

i Choose the option that best applies to the given extract. 

1) a conversation 

2) an argument 

3) a piece of advice 

4) a strategy 

5) a recollection 

6) a suggestion 

a) 1, 3 & 6 

b) 2, 4 & 5 

c) Only 5 

d) Only 1 

Ans: c) Only 5 

ii Choose the book title that perfectly describes the condition of the poet’s mother. 

a) Title 1 

b) Title 2 

c) Title 3 

d) Title 4 

Ans: c) Title 3 

iii Choose the option that applies correctly to the two statements given below. 

Assertion: The poet wards off the thought of her mother getting old quickly. 

Reason: The poet didn’t want to confront the inevitability of fate that was to dawn upon her mother. 

a) Assertion can be inferred but the Reason cannot be inferred. 

b) Assertion cannot be inferred but the Reason can be inferred. 

c) Both Assertion and Reason can be inferred. 

d) Both Assertion and Reason cannot be inferred. 

Ans: c) Both Assertion and Reason can be inferred. 

iv Choose the option that displays the same literary device as in the given lines of the extract. 

her face 

ashen like that 

of a corpse… 

a) Just as I had I had this thought, she appeared and… 

b) My thoughts were as heavy as lead that evening when … 

c) I think like everyone else who… 

d) I like to think aloud when … 

Ans: b) My thoughts were as heavy as lead that evening when 

Q4 My Mother at Sixty-six Questions Answers Class 12 MCQ Extract Based 2

Read the following extract and choose the correct option.

B. And 

looked out at Young 

Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling 

out of their homes, 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 and felt that old 

familiar ache… 

i What is the most likely reason the poet capitalised ‘Young Trees’? 

This was to 

a) convey a clearer meaning. 

b) highlight the adj.-noun combination. 

c) enhance the contrast. 

d) draw a connection with the title. 

Ans: c) enhance the contrast. 

ii Choose the option that appropriately describes the relationship between the two statements given below. 

Statement 1: The poet knows her mother has aged. 

Statement 2: The poet feels the pain of separation. 

a) Beginning – Ending 

b) Cause – Effect 

c) Question – Answer 

d) Introduction – Conclusion 

Ans: b) Cause – Effect 

iii Choose the option that completes the sentence given below. 

Just as the brightness of the winter’s moon is veiled behind the haze and mist, similarly, __________________. 

a) the pain of separation has shaded mother’s expression. 

b) age has fogged mother’s youthful appearance. 

c) growing up has developed a seasoned maturity in the poet. 

d) memories warm the heart like the pale moon in winter. 

Ans: b) age has fogged mother’s youthful appearance. 

iv Choose the correct option out of the ones given below. 

a) Option 1 

b) Option 2 

c) Option 3 

d) Option 4 

Ans: d) Option 4 

Q 5 My Mother at Sixty-six Questions Answers Class 12 Stand Alone MCQs

Read the following extract and choose the correct option.

 i The phrase ‘old familiar ache’ has been used to refer to a fear, in this extract. This phrase can also be used to 

a) compare physical pain with mental agony. 

b) elicit someone’s unanswered queries. 

c) substantiate reasons for aches and pains. 

d) describe a longing one has been aware of. 

Ans: d) describe a longing one has been aware of. 

ii The tone of the poet in the poem is primarily a combination of _________ and ________. 

1. dauntlessness 

2. apprehension 

3. dejection 

4. disappointment 

a) 1, 2 

b) 2, 3 

c) 3, 4 

d) 1, 4 

Ans: b) 2, 3

Q10 My Mother at Sixty-six Questions Answers Class 12 in 30-40 words 

i The pain of separation is expressed both literally and metaphorically in this poem. Elucidate. 

Ans: “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das poignantly captures the pain of separation both literally and metaphorically. The physical distance between the speaker and her aging mother becomes a metaphor for the emotional separation. The poem explores the inevitable separation caused by time, aging, and the impending reality of death.

ii Comment on the tone of the poem with references to “My Mother at SixtySix”. 

Ans: The tone of “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das is tender and reflective. The poet expresses deep love and concern for her aging mother, portraying a sense of vulnerability and filial affection. The poignant tone is evident in the speaker’s observations, capturing the bittersweet emotions surrounding the inevitability of separation and mortality.

iii Imagery was an effective literary device to bring out the contrast between the “merry children” and the mother. Comment. 

Ans: In “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das, imagery vividly contrasts the carefree innocence of the “merry children” with the frailty of the aging mother. The poet employs rich visual details to highlight the disparity, emphasizing the fleeting nature of youth and the poignant reality of aging, deepening the emotional impact.

iv The poet does not directly mention the fear of her mother’s death and yet she is successfully able to convey the same through different poetic techniques. Discuss. 

Ans: In “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das, the fear of the mother’s impending death is subtly conveyed through poetic techniques. The use of vivid imagery, introspective reflections, and the underlying tone of melancholy creates an atmosphere of impending loss, allowing readers to sense the unspoken anxiety and emotional turmoil surrounding the theme of mortality.

Q12 My Mother at Sixty-six Questions Answers Class 12 in 120-150 words 

i 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 

Ans: 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 heaviness in your heart. Your words may have faltered, but a mother’s intuition goes beyond spoken language.

My beloved, life is a river, and we are but fleeting travelers. Do not dwell on the uncertainties and fears that tomorrow might bring. Each passing moment is a gift, and worrying about the unknown steals the joy of the present. Embrace the beauty of now, the warmth of memories, and the strength that binds us.

Remember, my love, the bond we share transcends the limitations of time. Let your heart find solace in the love we’ve built, for love is eternal, and its echoes resonate through the corridors of our shared experiences.

With love,

Amma

ii 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? 

Ans: 

Poet’s Friend: Kamala, you’ve seemed a bit distant lately. Is everything okay?

Kamala Das: I’m just overwhelmed, my friend. I left my mother at the airport, and this overwhelming fear of losing her is consuming me.

Poet’s Friend: I understand. It’s natural to fear loss, especially when it comes to someone dear. Have you talked to her about it?

Kamala Das: No, I haven’t. I don’t want to burden her.

Poet’s Friend: Opening up might help, Kamala. And remember, while fear is real, it’s also an illusion. Embrace the time you have now, make every moment count, and celebrate the love you share. It’s more powerful than any fear.

Kamala Das: Thank you, my friend. I’ll try to focus on the love and cherish every moment.

Poet’s Friend: That’s the spirit. Face your fears with the strength of your love.

Extra My Mother at Sixty-six Questions Answers Class 12 2024

What is the theme of my mother at sixty six question answers?

Ans: The theme of “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das revolves around the poignant exploration of aging, mortality, and the emotional complexities that arise as the poet accompanies her elderly mother to the airport, contemplating the inevitability of separation and the transient nature of life.

How is death contrasted with life in the poem?

Ans: In “My Mother at Sixty-six,” Kamala Das contrasts death with life by portraying the aging mother’s vulnerability, symbolizing life’s transience. The external world’s vitality, with “merry children” and “bright posters,” underscores the poignant coexistence of life’s vibrancy and the inevitability of death.

What is the main point of my mother at sixty six?

Ans: The main point of “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das is the poignant exploration of aging, mortality, and the emotional complexities as the poet accompanies her elderly mother. It reflects on the inevitability of separation and the transient nature of life.

What kind of mothers face has been described in my mother at sixty six?

Ans: In “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das, the mother’s face is described as worn and tired, reflecting the physical toll of aging. The poet observes the wrinkles and fragility, capturing the vulnerability of the mother in her sixties, adding emotional depth to the narrative.

What did the poet smile and smile?

Ans: In “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das, the poet smiles as she hides her internal turmoil. The smile conceals the fear and sorrow associated with the aging and fragility of her mother, reflecting the complexity of emotions in the face of inevitable separation.

Why did she smile and smile in my mother at sixty six?

Ans: In “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das, the poet smiles to mask her internal turmoil and fear. The smile becomes a coping mechanism, concealing the emotional pain and anxiety associated with the aging and vulnerability of her mother.

What is the significance of the last two lines of my mother at 66?

Ans: The last two lines of “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das hold significance as they encapsulate the theme of inevitable separation and the emotional impact of mortality. The poet’s tears acknowledge the impending loss, expressing the deep emotional turmoil associated with aging and separation.

What does three smile signify in my mother at sixty six?

Ans: In “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das, the three smiles represent the poet’s attempt to conceal her inner turmoil and fear behind a facade of cheerfulness. It reflects the complex emotions of love, concern, and impending separation that she experiences.

Why did poet look at her mother again?

Ans: In “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das, the poet looks at her mother again to absorb the poignant moment of parting. The gaze captures the emotional weight of the aging mother, fostering a deeper connection and a sense of profound contemplation.

How did the poet compare her mother?

Ans: In “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das, the poet compares her mother to a ‘late winter’s moon.’ This metaphor captures the frailty and gentle luminosity of the mother’s presence, emphasizing the beauty and vulnerability associated with aging.

What was the poet’s childhood fear in my mother at 66?

Ans: In “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das, the poet’s childhood fear resurfaces as she accompanies her aging mother. The fear is rooted in the realization of mortality and the impending separation, adding emotional depth to the poem’s exploration of aging and love.

Why does the poet miss his mother?

Ans: In “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das, the poet misses her mother due to the inevitable separation caused by aging. The emotional depth of the poem lies in the recognition of mortality, creating a poignant reflection on the transient nature of life.

Is the poet now a child?

Ans: The poem “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das does not explicitly mention the poet’s current age or status as a child. However, the poet reflects on her observations and emotions as she accompanies her aging mother, suggesting a more adult perspective.

What does the poet think about beauty?

Ans: In “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das, the poet contemplates beauty as a transient aspect of life. She reflects on the fleeting nature of physical beauty, acknowledging the inevitable effects of aging and the deeper, enduring beauty found in emotional connections.

What reminds the poet of her mother’s face?

Ans: In “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das, the poet is reminded of her mother’s face by the wrinkles that “shone like a tilled field.” This imagery evokes memories of the mother’s aging and serves as a poignant reflection on the passage of time.

Why would the poets mother laugh?

Ans: In “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das, the poet’s mother laughs because of the playful innocence and joy of the children outside the car window. Her laughter contrasts with the poet’s internal turmoil, highlighting the juxtaposition of life’s vitality and the poet’s emotional struggles.

What is the poet’s fear?

Ans: In “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das, the poet’s fear is rooted in the imminent separation from her aging mother. The realization of her mother’s mortality and the inevitability of parting evoke deep emotional turmoil within the poet.

What does the poet remember that girl?

Ans: In “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das, the poet does not mention remembering a specific girl. The poem primarily revolves around the poet’s observations and emotions as she accompanies her aging mother.

Who is the big girl in the poem?

Ans: In “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das, there is no mention of a “big girl” in the poem. The central focus is on the poet’s emotional reflections and observations as she accompanies her elderly mother.

When did the poet’s mother have a sweet face?

Ans: In “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das, the poet describes her mother’s face as sweet when she was much younger. The poem doesn’t specify a particular age or time but reflects on the contrast between the past sweetness and the present signs of aging.

How does the poet react to her mother’s death?’

Ans: The poem “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das does not explicitly mention the mother’s death. The poem primarily focuses on the poet’s observations and emotions as she accompanies her aging mother to the airport. The emotional weight of the poem lies in the contemplation of the inevitability of separation and the transient nature of life.

Is the poet mother dead or alive?

Ans: The poem “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das does not explicitly state whether the poet’s mother is dead or alive. The poem reflects on the poet’s emotions and observations as she accompanies her aging mother, focusing on the themes of aging, mortality, and the emotional complexities associated with the passage of time.

Who is the big girl mentioned here?

Ans: In “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das, there isn’t a specific mention of a “big girl.” The poem primarily revolves around the poet’s observations and emotions as she accompanies her aging mother. It focuses on the themes of aging, mortality, and the emotional complexities associated with the passage of time.

How does the poet feel his mothers love?

Ans: In “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das, the poet conveys the deep and enduring nature of her mother’s love through subtle details and emotions. The poem doesn’t explicitly describe how the poet feels her mother’s love, but it is implied in the tender observations, the shared moments, and the overall emotional tone of the poem. The poet’s concern for her mother’s well-being and the poignant reflection on the inevitability of separation convey the depth of the mother-daughter bond.

How does the poet’s mother look at him?

Ans: In “My Mother at Sixty-six” by Kamala Das, the poet does not explicitly describe how her mother looks at her. The poem mainly focuses on the poet’s observations and emotions as she accompanies her aging mother. The poet, however, expresses a deep emotional connection and concern for her mother’s well-being, capturing the complex feelings associated with aging and the inevitability of separation. The physical appearance or gaze of the mother is not specifically detailed in the poem.