Prepare for the Subject English Class 12 Board Exams with “Mother at Si-Six”: Important Exam Questions and Previous Year (PYQs). This resource includes PYQs, SQP questions, and questions from the CBSE Question Bank (QB), along with additional study materials.
Previous Years’ Questions (My Mother at Sixty-Six)
Questions – Short Answer Type (40-50 words)
Short Answer the following question in about 40-50 words.
- ‘See you soon Amma.’ How are these words contrary to the speaker’s emotions? (CBSE 2024)
- What is the significance of the word ‘but’ in ‘but all I said was see you soon, Amma’? (Outside Delhi CBSE 2023)
- What are the feelings of the poet about her aged mother with reference to the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’? (CBSE 2023)
- State the common issue faced by most of the aged in the current times, with reference to the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’. [CBSE SQP 2023]
- Justify the statement below with reference to the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty Six’ in 40–50 words. Being conscious of our mortality helps us cherish our moments with each other. [CBSE CFPQ]
- In the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty Six’, the poet hides her emotions from her mother. Do you think it was right of her to do so? Explain your answer in 40–50 words. [CBSE CFPQ]
- The pain of separation is expressed both literally and metaphorically in this poem. Elucidate. [CBSE Question Bank, 2021]
- Comment on the tone of the poem with reference to “My Mother at Sixty Six”. [CBSE Question Bank, 2021]
- Imagery was an effective literary device to bring out the contrast between the “merry children” and mother. Comment. [CBSE Question Bank, 2021]
- The poet does not directly mention the fear of her mother’s death and yet she is successfully able to convey the same through different poetic techniques. Discuss. [CBSE Question Bank, 2021]
- Kamala Das speaks of ‘an old familiar ache…’ What do you think is the reason for this feeling? [CBSE SQP, 2021]
- Why has the poet mentioned ‘merry children spilling out of their home’ in the poem? (My Mother at Sixty-six) [Delhi, 2020]
- Kamala Das speaks of ‘an old familiar ache…’ . What do you think is the reason for this feeling? (CBSE SQP 2020)
- What is the poet’s childhood fear? [CBSE, Board 2019]
- What does the poet’s smile in the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty-Six’ show? [Delhi, 2018]
- Why does the poet look at ‘young trees’ and ‘merry children’? [CBSE Sample Paper 2018]
- What does the poet’s smile in the poem, ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’ show? [CBSE Paper 2018]
- Why are the youngsters described as springing? [CBSE (Delhi) 2017]
- Having looked at her mother, why does Kamala Das look at the young children? [CBSE (AI) 2017]
- In the last line of the poem, ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’, why does the poet use the word ‘smile’ repeatedly? [CBSE (AI) 2017]
- What different images does the poet use to convey the idea of her mother’s old age? [CBSE Sample Paper 2016]
- What were the poet’s feelings as she drove to Cochin airport? (Delhi 2015C)
- Why has the poet’s mother been compared to the ‘late winter’s moon’? (Delhi 2013)
Questions – Long Answer Type (120-150 words)
Answer the following questions in 120-150 words:
[CBSE Question Bank, 2021]
Q. 1. Imagine the mother gets to know of the poet persona’s fears. Write a letter, as the mother, telling the daughter why she must not dwell on these fears.
You may begin this way:
Pallipuram
Cochin,
Kerala
22 August’ 60
My dear Kamala
I am writing to you because when you left me at the airport, I felt something wasn’t right. Judging by how little you spoke that day ………………………. ……………………………………… (continue) …………………………………
With love
Amma
Q. 2. Imagine you are the poet’s friend. Write a dialogue exchange between yourself and the poet where the latter confides in you about her fears and asks for your advice. What would your advice be –to face her fears, to ignore them or something else?
Questions with Answers
Q&A – Short Answer Type (40-50 words)
Q1. ‘See you soon Amma.’ How are these words contrary to the speaker’s emotions? (2024)
See Answer
Answer:
The speaker feels deep sadness and fear about her mother’s aging and the possibility of losing her. However, she says “See you soon, Amma” to comfort her mother and hide her own emotions. These words show hope and cheerfulness, but inside, the poet is filled with pain and worry.
Q2. Justify the statement: “Being conscious of our mortality helps us cherish our moments with each other.” (CBSE CFPQ)
See Answer
Answer:
The poet realizes her mother’s aging and the inevitability of death. This awareness deepens her love and concern for her mother. It teaches us to value time with loved ones and express care and gratitude while they are still with us, as life is fleeting.
Q3. In the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty Six,’ the poet hides her emotions from her mother. Do you think it was right of her to do so? (CBSE CFPQ)
See Answer
Answer:
Yes, it was right for the poet to hide her emotions. Expressing sadness might have worried her mother. By smiling and saying “See you soon,” the poet provides comfort and reassurance. Sometimes, hiding our pain is necessary to protect loved ones from unnecessary stress.
Q4. What is the significance of the word ‘but’ in ‘but all I said was see you soon, Amma’? (2023)
See Answer
Answer:
The word “but” contrasts the poet’s inner feelings with her outward actions. While she feels sadness and fear of separation, she does not express it. Instead, she speaks calmly and reassuringly, showing emotional strength and maturity to protect her mother from worry.
Q5. What are the feelings of the poet about her aged mother with reference to the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’? (2023)
See Answer
Answer:
The poet feels deep love, concern, and sadness for her mother. She realizes that her mother is growing old and fragile. This thought brings back her childhood fear of losing her mother, but she hides her emotions and tries to stay hopeful for her mother’s sake.
Q6. State the common issue faced by most of the aged in the current times, with reference to the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’. (SQP 2023)
See Answer
Answer:
The poem highlights loneliness and neglect as common issues faced by the aged. As children grow up and move away for work or other reasons, parents often feel isolated. The poet’s mother sitting quietly and dozing in the car reflects this loneliness and physical frailty.
Q7. Justify the statement: “Being conscious of our mortality helps us cherish our moments with each other.” (CBSE CFPQ)
See Answer
Answer:
The poet realizes her mother’s aging and the inevitability of death. This awareness deepens her love and concern for her mother. It teaches us to value time with loved ones and express care and gratitude while they are still with us, as life is fleeting.
Q8. In the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty Six,’ the poet hides her emotions from her mother. Do you think it was right of her to do so? (CBSE CFPQ)
See Answer
Answer:
Yes, it was right for the poet to hide her emotions. Expressing sadness might have worried her mother. By smiling and saying “See you soon,” the poet provides comfort and reassurance. Sometimes, hiding our pain is necessary to protect loved ones from unnecessary stress.
Q 9. Kamala Das speaks of ‘an old familiar ache…’ What do you think is the reason for this feeling? (CBSE SQP, 2021)
See Answer
Answer:
The “old familiar ache” refers to the poet’s childhood fear of losing her mother. As a child, she dreaded being separated from her mother, and now, seeing her mother’s frailty, that fear resurfaces, reflecting her emotional vulnerability and deep bond with her mother.
Q 10. Why has the poet mentioned ‘merry children spilling out of their home’ in the poem? (2020)
See Answer
Answer:
The poet mentions “merry children” to symbolize youth, energy, and the ongoing cycle of life. This contrasts with her aging mother’s frailty, highlighting the difference between the vibrancy of childhood and the stillness of old age. It also distracts her from her painful thoughts momentarily.
Q.11. Kamala Das speaks of ‘an old familiar ache…’ . What do you think is the reason for this feeling? (CBSE SQP 2020)
See Answer
Answer:
The “old familiar ache” refers to Kamala Das’s childhood fear of losing her mother. This fear resurfaces when she sees her mother’s frail, aging face, reminding her of the inevitability of separation and mortality. It reflects her deep emotional bond with her mother and her pain at the thought of parting.
Q 12. What is the poet’s childhood fear? (2019)
See Answer
Answer:
The poet’s childhood fear is the fear of losing her mother. This fear of separation and death resurfaces when she sees her mother’s aging and frail condition.
Q 13. What does the poet’s smile in the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty-Six’ show? (2018)
See Answer
Answer:
The poet’s smile shows her attempt to hide her pain and fear from her mother. It is a way of reassuring her mother and maintaining a hopeful and cheerful demeanor, even though she feels deep sadness inside.
Q 14. Why does the poet look at ‘young trees’ and ‘merry children’? (2018)
See Answer
Answer:
The poet looks at the “young trees” and “merry children” to distract herself from the painful thought of her mother’s aging. These images symbolize youth, life, and energy, contrasting with her mother’s frailty, and provide a momentary escape from her sadness.
Q 15. What does the poet’s smile in the poem, ‘My Mother at Sixty-six,’ show? (2018)
See Answer
Answer:
The poet’s smile shows her effort to hide her pain and fear of losing her mother. It is a mask to reassure her mother, showing strength and love, even though she is deeply sad and worried inside.
Q 16. Why are the youngsters described as springing? (2017)
See Answer
Answer:
The youngsters are described as “springing” to emphasize their energy, vitality, and joy. This lively movement symbolizes the cycle of life, contrasting with the stillness and fragility of the poet’s aging mother.
Q 17. Having looked at her mother, why does Kamala Das look at the young children? (2017)
See Answer
Answer:
Kamala Das looks at the young children to shift her focus from the painful reality of her mother’s frailty. The children symbolize hope, joy, and the continuity of life, which temporarily comforts her in her emotional turmoil.
Q 18. In the last line of the poem, ‘My Mother at Sixty-six,’ why does the poet use the word ‘smile’ repeatedly? (2017)
See Answer
Answer:
The repeated use of the word “smile” reflects the poet’s effort to control her emotions and appear positive. It shows her attempt to reassure her mother while hiding her own sadness and fear of separation.
Q 19. What different images does the poet use to convey the idea of her mother’s old age? (SQP 2016)
See Answer
Answer:
The poet uses the following images to depict her mother’s old age:
- “Her face ashen like a corpse” – suggests frailty and approaching death.
- “Pale as a late winter’s moon” – conveys dimness, fragility, and fading life.
These images highlight the inevitability of aging and mortality.
Q 20. What were the poet’s feelings as she drove to Cochin airport? (2015)
See Answer
Answer:
The poet felt deep sadness and fear while driving to the airport. Seeing her mother’s frailty reminded her of mortality and the possibility of losing her. However, she tried to suppress her emotions and focus on hopeful and happy thoughts.
Q 21. Why has the poet’s mother been compared to the ‘late winter’s moon’? (2013)
See Answer
Answer:
The poet’s mother is compared to the “late winter’s moon” to show her pale, weak, and fragile state. Just as the moon in late winter is dim and lacks brightness, her mother’s aging reflects a fading vitality and nearing end of life.
CBSE Question Bank (My Mother at Sixty-Six)
Q 1. Comment on the tone of the poem with reference to “My Mother at Sixty-Six”. (CBSE QB)
See Answer
Answer:
The tone of the poem is a mix of sadness, fear, and tenderness. It reflects the poet’s pain and helplessness about her mother’s aging and mortality. Despite her inner turmoil, the tone also carries a sense of acceptance and love, as seen in her parting smile and hope.
Q 2. Imagery was an effective literary device to bring out the contrast between the “merry children” and mother. Comment. (CBSE QB)
See Answer
Answer:
The poet uses the imagery of “merry children spilling out of their homes” to depict vibrancy, youth, and liveliness. This contrasts sharply with the poet’s aging mother, who appears weak, pale, and lifeless. This juxtaposition highlights the difference between the energy of youth and the stillness of old age.
Q 3. The poet does not directly mention the fear of her mother’s death and yet she is successfully able to convey the same through different poetic techniques. Discuss. (CBSE QB)
See Answer
Answer:
The poet uses imagery (mother’s face “ashen like a corpse”), metaphor (mother as a “late winter’s moon”), and juxtaposition (children’s liveliness vs. mother’s frailty) to convey her fear of losing her mother. These subtle techniques evoke the inevitability of death without directly stating it.
Q&A – Long Answer Type (120-150 words)
Q. 1. Imagine the mother gets to know of the poet persona’s fears. Write a letter, as the mother, telling the daughter why she must not dwell on these fears.
You may begin this way:
Pallipuram
Cochin,
Kerala
22 August’ 60
My dear Kamala
I am writing to you because when you left me at the airport, I felt something wasn’t right. Judging by how little you spoke that day ………………………. ……………………………………… (continue) …………………………………
With love
Amma
See Answer
Answer: Two Sample Answers are given here:
Answer – Sample 1
Pallipuram,
Cochin, Kerala,
22 August, ’60
My dear Kamala,
I am writing to you because when you left me at the airport, I felt something wasn’t right. Judging by how little you spoke that day and the look in your eyes, I sensed that you were worried about me. Perhaps, you are afraid of my aging and what it may bring.
Kamala, my child, I want you to know that life is a cycle, and aging is a natural part of it. It’s not something to fear or dwell on. Instead of worrying, focus on cherishing the moments we have together. Remember the happy times we’ve shared, the laughter, and the love. These memories are far more precious than any worry about the future.
My dear, your smile when you said, “See you soon, Amma,” gave me so much comfort and hope. It reminded me of your strength and love. I want you to hold on to that strength and live your life fully, without the shadow of fear.
Even as I grow older, my heart will always be filled with pride and love for you. So, let go of your worries and live each day with joy, knowing that I am happy and content.
Take care of yourself, Kamala. I look forward to seeing you again soon. Until then, keep smiling.
With all my love,
Amma
Answer – Sample 2
Pallipuram
Cochin, Kerala
22 August’ 60
My dear Kamala,
I am writing to you because when you left me at the airport, I felt something wasn’t right. Judging by how little you spoke that day and how your smile seemed forced, I could sense that you were troubled. I understand that you have always been protective of me, and I know how deeply you care. But my dear, please don’t let fear and sadness take away the joy we still have together.
You worry about me growing old and frail, but you must remember that age is a natural part of life. We all grow older, and it is something we cannot change. What matters is the love we share, and I have lived a full and beautiful life because of it. Though I may be weaker now, my heart is still full of love for you.
Please do not waste your time worrying about the inevitable. Instead, cherish the time we have. Every moment with you is precious to me, and I want you to live without fear of losing me. I will always be in your heart, Kamala, and I am content knowing that I have raised a strong and caring daughter like you.
Life has its own course, my dear, and you must accept it with grace. Don’t let fear cloud the beauty of the moments we have left.
With all my love,
Your mother
Q. 2. Imagine you are the poet’s friend. Write a dialogue exchange between yourself and the poet where the latter confides in you about her fears and asks for your advice. What would your advice be –to face her fears, to ignore them or something else?
See Answer
Answer: Two Sample Answers are being given here:
Dialogue Exchange Between the Poet and Her Friend
Answer – Sample 1
Poet: (Sighs deeply) I’ve been feeling so uneasy since I left Amma at the airport.
Friend: What’s bothering you, Kamala? You seem really down.
Poet: It’s my mother. She’s growing so old, and when I looked at her pale face, I couldn’t help but think… what if I lose her? That thought terrifies me.
Friend: I understand, Kamala. It’s hard seeing loved ones grow older. But what are you afraid of exactly?
Poet: I fear being separated from her. It’s like that childhood fear has come back, but stronger now because she looks so frail. I don’t know how to handle this feeling.
Friend: It’s natural to feel that way. She’s your mother, and you love her deeply. But worrying won’t change the reality of life.
Poet: So, should I just ignore these thoughts?
Friend: No, don’t ignore them, but don’t let them consume you either. Face your fears by accepting that aging and loss are parts of life. What’s important is to cherish the time you have with her now.
Poet: That makes sense, but it’s easier said than done.
Friend: True, but think about this—if you spend all your time worrying, you’ll miss the joy of the moments you still have with her. Talk to her, share your feelings, and make her feel loved. That’s the best you can do.
Poet: You’re right. I need to focus on what matters—being with her and creating memories. Thank you for helping me see things clearly.
Friend: Anytime, Kamala. Remember, love is stronger than fear. Focus on that.
Answer – Sample 2
Poet (Kamala Das):
I feel such a heaviness in my heart lately. Every time I look at my mother, I see the frailty in her. She’s growing older, and I can’t help but fear the day I might lose her. It’s like that childhood fear coming back again. I don’t know how to face it. Do you think I’m being silly to feel this way?
Friend:
Kamala, I understand your fears. It’s difficult to see someone we love growing old, and it’s natural to be afraid of losing them. But the truth is, none of us can escape time. Your mother is aging, yes, but that doesn’t mean you should live in constant fear of what might come. Cherish each moment with her instead.
Poet (Kamala Das):
I try, but every time I see her pale face or think of her getting weaker, my heart aches. I feel like I should prepare myself for the inevitable, but I don’t know how.
Friend:
It’s important to acknowledge your feelings, Kamala, but it’s also essential to focus on the present. Your fear may never fully go away, but you can choose to spend your time with your mother joyfully, in the here and now. Don’t let fear take away the happiness of your moments together. Perhaps, it’s about accepting what we cannot change and making the most of what we have today.
Poet (Kamala Das):
So, you’re saying I should stop fearing the future and just live in the present?
Friend:
Exactly. Fear of the future can paralyze us. Embrace your emotions, but don’t let them control you. Love your mother as you always have, and smile through the pain. Sometimes, facing our fears doesn’t mean fighting them head-on; it’s about finding peace with them and letting them motivate us to love and live more fully.
Poet (Kamala Das):
Thank you. I think you’re right. I need to focus on what we have now, not on what might happen. I’ll try my best to live each day with her fully and embrace every moment of it.
Friend:
That’s the way, Kamala. Fear won’t vanish completely, but your love and strength can make it more bearable. Just be there for her, and for yourself too.
