Question

My Mother at Sixty-six

Hint:

When analyzing the central idea, focus on the emotional tone of the poem and how the poet’s personal reflections lead to universal themes.

Answer 1

In "My Mother at Sixty-six," the poet Kamala Das reflects on the fragility of life and the inevitable passage of time. The poem describes the poet’s feelings of concern and sadness as she watches her aging mother. The central idea of the poem centers on the fear of losing loved ones and the deep emotional bond shared between the poet and her mother. Through the journey of observing her mother, the poet grapples with the reality of her mother’s mortality. The poem conveys both a sense of personal loss and a broader meditation on aging, love, and the inevitability of time.
Final Answer: The central idea of "My Mother at Sixty-six" is the poet’s contemplation on aging, loss, and the deep emotional connection with her mother, highlighting the passing of time and its effects.