UP Board Class 12th English-Poetry – Chapter 1: Handwritten Notes of My Mother at Sixty Six

"My Mother at Sixty-Six" by Kamala Das is a heartfelt poem that reflects on themes of aging, love, and the fear of losing a loved one. The poet shares her emotional response to the realization of her mother’s frailty and the inevitability of mortality. Through vivid imagery and poignant expressions, the poem beautifully captures the universal feelings of love, worry, and separation.

Download this PDF

Key Points

1. The Journey and Observation:
   The poem begins with the poet traveling with her mother in a car. She notices her mother sitting beside her, dozing off with her mouth slightly open. Her mother’s pale and lifeless face reminds her of a corpse, symbolizing old age and fragility.

2. The Pain of Realization:
   Seeing her mother’s frail state, the poet feels a pang of sorrow and is reminded of her childhood fear of losing her mother. This realization evokes a sense of helplessness and emotional turmoil as she contemplates her mother’s inevitable mortality.

3. Contrast Between Life and Aging:
   As the poet looks outside the car, she observes the vitality of life in the bustling world, with children running and playing, creating a stark contrast to her mother’s aged and weak appearance. This juxtaposition highlights the cycle of life and the passage of time.

4. Imagery of the "Winter’s Moon":
   The poet compares her mother’s face to a "late winter’s moon," symbolizing its pale and faded appearance, which reflects the decline of energy and vitality. This metaphor further emphasizes the vulnerability of old age.

5. The Emotional Farewell:
   As the poet bids farewell to her mother at the airport, she is overcome with emotions but conceals her sadness with a smile. The act of smiling despite her inner turmoil reflects her attempt to stay strong and hopeful, even in the face of inevitable separation.

Conclusion

"My Mother at Sixty-Six" is a moving reflection on the bond between a mother and daughter and the deep emotional impact of aging. Kamala Das masterfully portrays the poet’s inner conflict between love and fear, hope and despair. The poem leaves readers with a profound sense of empathy, reminding us of the transient nature of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones.

English के सभी Chapters के Handwriting Notes के लिए अभी Download करें Vidyakul App - Free Download Click Here