NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English (Flamingo) Poetry 1 My Mother At Sixty Six

NCERT
SOLUTIONS
CLASS - 12th

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Book : Flamingo - Poetry Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 1 English - Poetry

Class : 12th
Subject : English
Chapter : 1
Chapter Name : My Mother At Sixty Six

Q1 What is the kind of pain and ache that the poet feels?

Answer. The poet sees adversities of old age on her old mothers face. The poet feels old
age is taking over her mother gradually. Poet considers old age as the most dull period of
one's life where everything is weathering. Poet can feel death approaching towards her
mother. Old age is the ultimate road to death. Poet is not ready to accept the death of her
mother so soon but at the same time she is aware of the sudden loss which may occur any
moment.

Q2 Why are the young trees described as “sprinting”?

Answer. The poem presents with various images. The image of sprinting means time moving
fastly. The trees represent young and vitality of youth. The sprinting of trees also means time
is passing away fast and human beings are moving towards their end. The sprinting of trees
is contrasted with old mother. Thus, the image of the trees sprinting further accentuates the
upcoming death.

Q3 Why has the poet brought in the image of merry children “spilling out of their homes”?

Answer. The image of merry children “spilling out of their homes” is a clear depiction of the
cheerfulness and ecstatic vibes that adulthood holds in it. This is in sharp contrast to the
decaying old age which is represented through the image of the pale “dozing” face of the
mother.

Q4 Why has the mother been compared to the “late winter’s moon”?

Answer. The mother here has been compared to late winter moon just as the moon appears
vague and misty in the same way mother seems pale and weak as death is approaching her.
She seems devoid of shine and strength which the poet associated with death. She wants to
save her mother from the approaching death.

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Book : Flamingo - Poetry Ncert Solutions | Chapter - 1 English - Poetry

Q5 What do the parting words of the poet and her smile signify?

Answer. As the time approaches to departs, she looks at her mother’s weak face that is as
white as death but still manages and say, “See you soon, Amma”. She has accepted the
parts of life and coming and leaving our an important part of life. Her smile, is perhaps, a
pretence to overshadow her anxiety, fear, and the ache of death within her. Her words, “See
you
soon, Amma,” can be interpreted as a word of assurance to the old lady and her persistent
smiles are an attempt to suppress her emotions in order to overcome them and
live the present.

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