My Mother at sixty-six Important Short and Long Question Class 12 Poem-1 Book-Flamingo

Q-1. What was Kamala Das’s childhood fear?

Ans: 

Kamala Das’s childhood fear was losing her mother. She was afraid that one day her mother would grow old and die, leaving her alone. This fear of separation stayed with her even as an adult.

Q-2. Why has Kamala Das compared her mother to a late winter’s moon?

Ans: 

The poet compares her mother to a late winter’s moon because, just like the moon appears pale, dull, and lifeless in winter, her mother’s face looks weak, aged, and pale due to old age. This comparison highlights her mother’s frailty and approaching end of life.

Q-3. How did Kamala Das’s mother look during the drive to Cochin?

Ans: 

During the drive to Cochin, Kamala Das’s mother looked weak, pale, and lifeless, like a dead body. Her skin was wrinkled, and she appeared tired due to old age.

Q-4. What do the poet’s parting words to her mother signify?

Ans: 

The poet’s parting words, “See you soon, Amma”, signify her hope and reassurance. Though she fears losing her mother, she does not express it. Instead, she tries to remain positive and hides her sadness.

Q-5. How did Kamala Das put away the thought of her mother’s old age?

Ans: 

To distract herself, Kamala Das looked out of the car window and noticed the young trees and happy children playing. This helped her temporarily forget about her mother’s aging and the fear of separation.

Q-6. What helped Kamala Das put away the thought of her mother’s old age?

Ans: 

The young trees and cheerful children playing outside helped Kamala Das shift her focus from her mother’s old age. These images of life, energy, and renewal contrasted with her mother’s frailty.

Q-7. What were Kamala Das’ fears as a child? Why do they surface when she is going to the airport?

Ans: 

As a child, Kamala Das feared losing her mother. This fear returns when she sees her mother’s weak and pale face while leaving for the airport. The thought of separation and death makes her sad again.

Q-8. What childhood fear did Kamala Das refer to in her poem? How did she hide it?

Ans: 

Kamala Das refers to her childhood fear of losing her mother. She hides it by smiling and pretending to be strong when she says goodbye to her mother at the airport.

Q-9. What childhood fear does Kamala Das have? Why?

Ans: 

Kamala Das’s childhood fear is that her mother will grow old and die, leaving her alone. She has this fear because she is deeply attached to her mother and cannot imagine life without her.

Q-10. Why has the mother been compared to the ‘late winter’s moon’?

Ans: 

The mother is compared to the late winter’s moon because just like the moon appears dim, weak, and fading in the cold winter sky, her mother looks pale, weak, and fragile due to old age. This symbolizes the end of life and the poet’s fear of losing her mother.