Class 12 My Mother at Sixty Six – Question Answer

My Mother at Sixty-Six” by Kamala Das is a powerful and emotional poem included in the Class 12 English syllabus. It captures a deeply personal moment of realization, as the poet confronts the aging of her mother and the inevitable fear of separation. This blog offers a complete guide with Class 12 My Mother at Sixty Six question answer, crafted to help students understand the poem’s depth and perform well in exams.

We’ve also included My Mother at Sixty Six NCERT Solutions, a detailed breakdown of the My Mother at Sixty Six theme, and an easy explanation of the My Mother at Sixty Six poetic devices used in the poem. Whether you’re preparing for board exams or a classroom discussion, these My Mother at Sixty Six question answer important resources will help you revise quickly and with confidence.

About the Poem & the Poet

Kamala Das was a renowned Indian poet known for her honest and emotional writing. Her work often explores themes of love, loss, and personal relationships, drawn from real-life experiences.

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💡 Central Idea of My Mother at Sixty-Six

The poem reflects the poet’s fear of losing her aging mother, highlighting themes of love, aging, and the pain of separation between a mother and daughter.

Class 12 My Mother at Sixty Six Question Answer (NCERT Solutions)

Page No: 90

Before You Read

Ageing is a natural process; have you ever thought about what our elderly parents expect from us?

Answer- Old people often feel lonely and want someone to talk to. They become sad and negative when they don’t get love and attention. If we show them care, listen to them, and involve them in our lives, they feel happy and important. This love and respect can make them feel young again and help them enjoy life with new energy.

Explanation:-

Elderly people need love, time, and care from their family. When we spend time with them and make them feel valued, they don’t feel lonely or sad. It gives them happiness and helps them live with more interest and joy.

Page No: 91

Think it Out

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

Answer- The poet feels emotional pain because she realises that her mother has grown old, weak, and pale—almost like a dead body. Her mother now depends on others for support. This pain also reminds the poet of the deep fear and sadness she felt in childhood about losing her loved ones, which now returns as her mother nears the end of her life.

Explanation:- The poet feels deep sadness because she sees that her mother has become old, weak, and pale like a dead body. Her mother now depends on others, which reminds the poet of a pain she felt in her childhood. This old pain comes back because she fears losing her mother soon.

2. Why are the young trees described as ‘sprinting’?

Answer- In the poem, the young trees seem like they are running past the car, as if they are alive. This movement is very different from the poet’s mother, who looks still, pale, and lifeless like a dead body. The moving trees and children convey life and energy, while the mother represents stillness and ageing.

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

Answer- The poet shows how weak and helpless old age can be by using contrasts. The mother is dozing off with her mouth open, showing tiredness and lack of energy. In contrast, the children are full of life, running out of their homes with excitement and energy. This shows the difference between the old, who are weak and quiet, and the young, who are active and full of life.

Explanation:- The poet shows the weakness of old age by comparing the tired, dozing mother to the lively, energetic children. This contrast highlights how the old lack the energy and joy that the young have.

4. Why has the mother been compared to the ‘late winter’s moon’?

Answer- The mother is compared to the late winter moon, which looks pale and covered with clouds. This shows that her life is slowly fading. The moon makes the poet think of night, which stands for the end of life. Just like the winter moon, the mother appears weak, tired, and lifeless.

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

Answer- The poet says, “See you soon, Amma”, to comfort her mother and to give her hope. Even though she knows the truth about her mother’s old age, she pretends to smile and stay strong. It’s not easy for her, which is why she repeats the words – to show how hard it is to hide her true feelings.