Question

My Mother at Sixty-six

Hint:

The poem poignantly captures the themes of aging, love, and the inevitable separation between a mother and her child.

Answer 1

Step 1: Central Idea of 'My Mother at Sixty-six.'
The central idea of the poem 'My Mother at Sixty-six' by Kamala Das is the poet’s deep concern for her aging mother. The poet reflects on the frailty of her mother’s age and the inevitable process of aging. The poem conveys the emotional impact of seeing her mother’s vulnerability and the fear of losing her. At the same time, it also portrays the poet's love and the painful realization of the passage of time.
Step 2: Conclusion.
In 'My Mother at Sixty-six,' the poet expresses the bittersweet emotions of witnessing her mother’s aging process, capturing the universal theme of love, fear, and the inevitable march of time.