Question

It is said that the ‘Face is a mirror of one’s emotions.’ Why did the poet ‘smile and smile’? (My Mother at Sixty-six)

Hint:

Expressions and gestures often convey unspoken emotions. Pay attention to their use in the text.

Answer 1

The poet concealed her deep emotional turmoil with a smile, trying to provide comfort to her mother and mask her own fear of impending separation due to her mother’s frailty. The poet smiled to hide her sadness and fear of losing her aging mother, reassuring both her mother and herself.