MY MOTHER AT SIXTY-SIX

Born on March 31, 1934, Kamala Das is one of India’s most prolific writers. Das took to
writing at an early age and after her marriage, was encouraged by her husband to continue
the same. Das’s writing explores the entire gamut of human relationships from the
perspective of a woman – a daughter, a beloved, a wife, a mother and a non-conformist
feminist. She shot into literary fame with the publication of her autobiography ‘My Story’
(1976).

ABOUT THE POEM

The poem “My Mother at Sixty-Six” is a beautiful refection of Kamala Das’s sensitivity as a
writer. It highlights her deep understanding of the complexities of human relationships and
explores the pain and agony of her mother.

THEME
The poem is a strong expression of the fear of losing our near and dear ones. Kamala Das,
through her poem, My Mother at Sixty-six portrays a sudden realisation of this fear. A chance
observation of her mother’s pale and tired face makes her realize that she has grown old and
she may pass away any time.
The poem also deals with the theme of fear amongst children when they get afraid at the
thought of separating from their mothers. The poet expresses her personal insecurity and
worry regarding this apprehension.
This poem is also a reflection on the complex subtleties of human relationships. It brings out
the poet’s .views on inescapable ageing ,she finds it hard to ,and the ultimate end of human
life.
Although she is painfully aware that her old mother is very lonely and does not have long to
live she finds it hard to accept the idea and hopes against all hope to see her mother
soon.She bids goodbye with a hollow smile reflecting her inner guilt, for she cannot be by
her mother’s side to share her loneliness.

LITERARY DEVICES
SIMILIE
her face ashen like that of a corpse
The mother’s face was pale and greyish. She seemed to have lost all vitality. Such paleness of
the skin is usually associated with a sick or a dead body.
Wan, pale as a late winter’s moon
Words like pale and wan reinforce the idea of pallor and lifenessness. Winter symbolises
death. Thus the mother’s face is indicative of her very frail health and fast approaching
death.

REPETITION
Poets often repeat single words or phrases, lines and sometimes even whole stanzas at
intervals to create musical effect or to emphasize a point.
Smile and smile and smile
The repetition of the word smile draws attention to the rather long ,hollow and artificial
smile the poet had to put on to cheer up her mother and to hide her own worry, anxiety, and
guilt.
IMAGE

Trees sprinting and merry children : symbolic of youth, vigour, vitality, life and growth
Winter’s moon: symbolic of death.

RHYME SCHEME
The poem does not have a regular rhyme scheme. The poem is written in free verse.