"My Mother at Sixty-six" by Kamala Das is a moving poem that captures the poet's feelings of fear and anxiety over her aging mother's mortality. Written in a poignant and reflective tone, the poem juxtaposes the vitality of the world outside with the frailty of the mother, observed silently by the poet. Through this personal narrative, Das explores universal themes of love, aging, and the inevitable passage of time, highlighting the deep bond between mother and daughter. The imagery of the poem, from the serene yet aging face of the mother to the vibrant life outside the car window, underscores the contrast between youth and old age, life and the approach of death. This piece offers Class XII students a profound emotional insight into the natural cycle of life and the human condition, resonating with anyone who has contemplated the fragility of life and the strength of familial bonds.
My Mother at Sixty-Six
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 realised with pain that she was as old as she looked but soon put that thought away, 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, my childhood’s fear, but all I said was, see you soon, Amma, all I did was smile and smile and smile......
Central Theme:
The inevitability of ageing and the emotional turmoil it brings.
Summary:
This poem reflects on the poet’s feelings as she observes her ageing mother. It captures a moment of realization about the inevitable nature of aging and the deep-seated fear of loss it brings. The poet juxtaposes the image of her mother’s pale, ageing face with the vibrant life outside the car window, highlighting the contrast between youth and old age, life and its eventual end.
Literary Devices: Imagery, simile, and juxtaposition.
Imagery: “pale as a late winter’s moon” vividly captures the mother’s aged appearance.
Simile: “like old snow” (hypothetical) to describe the mother’s pale, fragile state.
Juxtaposition: “young trees sprinting” outside the car window contrasts with the mother’s aged frailty, highlighting life’s fleeting nature.
Keywords:
Aging, mother, fear, loss.
Glossary:
“Wan” (pale), “Sprinting” (running fast).
Analysis of “My Mother at Sixty-Six” by Kamala Das
Journey and Observation: The poem begins with the poet driving from her parents' home to Cochin with her mother beside her, capturing a moment of travel that sparks a deep reflection. Mother's Appearance: The poet observes her mother's dozing state, noting her open mouth and pale complexion, which prompts a painful realization of her mother's aging. Denial and Distraction: Attempting to escape the discomfort of this realization, the poet diverts her attention to the vibrant life outside the car window, focusing on young trees and merry children. Revisiting Reality: Despite her efforts to distract herself, after completing the airport's security check, the poet is once again confronted with her mother's frail appearance, likening it to a "wan, pale" entity. Emotional Resurgence: This sight rekindles the poet's childhood fear of losing her mother, a deep-seated anxiety that has persisted into adulthood. Parting with Pretense: In the final lines, the poet hides her anguish behind a smiling facade, reassuring her mother with hopeful parting words, yet internally grappling with her fear and sadness. This poignant poem delves into the universal theme of aging and the inevitable role reversal between parent and child, exploring the complex emotions of fear, love, and acceptance.
About Kamala Das:
Born in the vibrant landscape of Malabar, Kerala, in 1934, Kamala Das emerged as a pivotal figure in Indian literature, celebrated for her profound contributions as one of the country's leading poets. Writing under the pseudonym 'Madhavikutty' in Malayalam, her mother tongue, Das extended her creative expressions to English, demonstrating remarkable versatility across genres.
Das's oeuvre spans novels, short stories, and poetry, each genre infused with her unique blend of insight and lyrical prowess. Her English literary repertoire includes the novel "Alphabet of Lust" (1977), offering a bold exploration of human desires and complexities. The collection of short stories "Padmavati the Harlot and Other Stories" (1992) stands as a testament to her narrative skill, delving into the intricate web of human emotions and societal norms. Moreover, her contribution to poetry is significant, with five published volumes that capture the nuances of life, love, and loss with sensitive eloquence. One of her most poignant poems, "My Mother at Sixty-six," exemplifies Das's ability to portray intimate moments and universal truths through a deeply personal lens.
Kamala Das's legacy is that of a sensitive observer and chronicler of the human condition, unafraid to confront the complexities of identity, femininity, and societal expectations. Her work remains a cornerstone of Indian literature, offering insights and reflections that continue to resonate with readers across the world, celebrating the indomitable spirit of a woman who dared to voice the unspoken.