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    My Mother at Sixty Six Final Project

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    sakshamwalia997

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    My Mother at Sixty Six Final Project

    Uploaded by

    sakshamwalia997
    43 views7 pages

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    My_Mother_at_Sixty_six_Final_Project

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    43 views7 pages

    My Mother at Sixty Six Final Project

    Uploaded by

    sakshamwalia997

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    My Mother at Sixty-six

    English Project - Class 12

    Submitted by: [Student Name]


    Class: 12
    Roll Number: [Roll Number]
    About the Author

    Kamala Das was an acclaimed Indian poet,


    novelist, and short story writer known for her
    confessional poetry and vivid exploration of
    female identity and emotional depth. Born in
    1934 in Kerala, she is widely regarded as one
    of the most important voices in Indian English
    literature.

    Her writing often dealt with themes of love,


    pain, separation, and the search for
    self-identity, which resonated strongly with
    readers across India and beyond. 'My Mother
    at Sixty-six,' a powerful work, reflects
    universal emotions such as familial bonds and
    the fear of loss as she portrays her personal,
    poignant experience with her aging mother.

    Kamala Das's poetry has left a lasting impact


    on literature, as she bravely explored taboo
    subjects and gave a voice to the silent
    emotions of many women. She is known for
    works like 'Summer in Calcutta' and 'The
    Descendants,' and her autobiography 'My
    Story' was published in 1976, revealing much
    of her personal and literary journey.
    Summary

    The poem 'My Mother at Sixty-six' by Kamala


    Das presents a moving and personal
    reflection on the aging of the poet's mother, a
    theme that is both intimate and universal. The
    poem unfolds during a car ride as the poet
    observes her mother dozing beside her,
    comparing her mother's face to the pale,
    withered color of late winter, which
    symbolizes decline and approaching mortality.
    As they pass the countryside, the poet's
    attention is diverted by the vibrant, carefree
    life outside - young trees and children full of
    energy. This contrast highlights the stark
    difference between the vitality of youth and
    the slow fading of old age.

    When she finally reaches the airport, the


    poet's fear and apprehension take over, and
    she is reminded of her mother's fragility and
    the inevitable possibility of loss. Her final
    words, 'See you soon, Amma,' show her
    attempt to hold on to hope, though she is
    painfully aware that her mother may not be
    there much longer. The simplicity of her words
    hides a profound sorrow, as she tries to mask
    her emotions.

    Kamala Das uses minimalistic language to


    convey deep, universal feelings, making 'My
    Mother at Sixty-six' a poignant, emotionally
    resonant poem that readers across
    generations can relate to.
    Themes and Symbols

    1. **Aging and Mortality**: Kamala Das


    explores the natural but inevitable progression
    of aging, reflecting a universal anxiety about
    time and mortality. Her description of her
    mother's appearance vividly captures the
    frailty associated with old age, reminding the
    reader of the transient nature of life.

    2. **Fear of Separation and Loss**: A


    poignant theme in the poem is the poet's fear
    of separation. The realization that her mother
    might not be there forever brings forth feelings
    of dread and helplessness. This fear
    resonates with readers who have faced or will
    face the prospect of losing loved ones.

    3. **Symbols of Youth and Age**: Throughout


    the poem, Das uses contrasting images to
    highlight the inevitable gap between youth
    and age. The lively trees and children embody
    life, vibrancy, and growth, standing in stark
    contrast to the poet's aging mother.

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