This page offers My Mother at Sixty-Six long answer type question for Class 12 from the book Flamingo. We’ve put together a bunch of long answer type question based on assumption, creativity, extrapolation and critical thinking. These types of questions are introduced after 2024 in CBSE Board. So, practice to understand My Mother at Sixty-Six long answer type question
My Mother at Sixty-Six Long Answer Type Question
1.Question: How does Kamala Das’s description of her mother in “My Mother at Sixty-Six” reflect the theme of ageing? Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer: Kamala Das’s description of her mother shows the theme of ageing in a clear way. She uses simple but strong images, like saying her mother’s face is “ashen like that of a corpse”. She also compares her to the “late winter’s moon.” This shows how weak and old her mother has become.
The poet feels sad and scared because ageing is something no one can stop. The lively world outside, with young trees and happy children, is very different from her mother’s tired look.
This contrast shows how time changes everything. The poet’s feelings about her mother getting older remind us that ageing affects not just the person growing old, but also their family, who have to face the fact that things won’t stay the same forever.
2. Question: How does the poem “My Mother at Sixty-Six” make you think about the importance of family relationships? Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer: The poem shows how important family relationships are by highlighting the deep bond between Kamala Das and her mother. The poet is afraid of losing her mother and feels great pain as she watches her grow older. This makes us think about how precious our family relationships are.
The poem encourages us to cherish the time we have with our loved ones. It reminds us to express love and gratitude to them and be present, especially as they age. The emotional support we give and receive from our family helps us deal with the difficulties of life.
By focusing on our relationships with family, we can create lasting memories. We can also ensure that our loved ones feel valued, cared for, and appreciated throughout their lives.
Also Read:
- Hard Words : My Mother at Sixty-six
- My Mother at Sixty Six About The Author
- My Mother at Sixty-Six Moral and Message
- My Mother at Sixty-Six Very Short answer Type Question
3. Question: What role does the imagery of “sprinting trees” and “merry children” play in the poem, and how does it contrast with the poet’s emotions? Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer: The images of “sprinting trees” and “merry children” in the poem create a lively and active scene. This is very different from the poet’s sadness and fear. While the world outside the car is full of energy and movement, the poet is thinking about her mother’s weakness and her fear of losing her.
This contrast shows the difference between the joy and energy of youth and the reality of growing old. The images remind us that time keeps moving forward, even when we feel scared of change and loss. The busy and happy scene outside makes the poet’s feelings seem even more serious. It helps the reader feel the poet’s inner struggle more strongly, as she deals with the pain of her mother’s ageing.
4. Question: How does the poem “My Mother at Sixty-Six” explore the idea of separation and the emotions that come with it? Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer: The poem explores the idea of separation through Kamala Das’s emotions as she prepares to leave her mother. The poet’s “familiar ache” shows her fear and pain of being apart from her mother.
She knows her mother may not have much time left. The repeated smile at the end is the poet’s way of hiding her true feelings. It shows how hard it is to face separation. Many people can relate to this feeling. Being apart from loved ones often brings fear, sadness, and uncertainty.
The poem tells us that separation is a part of life. But the strong bond between mother and daughter remains. This bond can still bring comfort, even when they are far apart or facing loss.
Also Read:
- My Mother at Sixty-Six MCQ with Answers
- My Mother at Sixty-Six Summary
- My Mother at Sixty-Six Theme
- My Mother at Sixty-Six Short Question Answers
- My Mother at Sixty-Six Introduction
5. Question: In what ways does the poem “My Mother at Sixty-Six” challenge our understanding of time and its effects on life? Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer:The poem challenges our understanding of time by showing how it affects life and relationships. Kamala Das sees how time has aged her mother, turning her into someone frail and delicate.
The “sprinting trees” and “merry children” serve as reminders of how quickly time passes, contrasting with the poet’s wish to hold on to the present. This contrast highlights how time creates a sense of urgency.
It not only changes us physically but also impacts our relationships. The poem urges us to think about how we spend our time with loved ones. It encourages us to cherish these moments before they slip away. Time is constant, but it has a profound effect on our lives, and we must be mindful of how we use it.
6. Question: How does the poem “My Mother at Sixty-Six” make you think about the emotional challenges of watching a loved one age? Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer:The poem deeply shows the emotional challenges of watching a loved one grow old. Kamala Das feels deep fear and sadness as she sees her mother’s weakness. The “familiar ache” she feels reflects the helplessness and sorrow of seeing someone you love age.
This emotional struggle is something many people go through. It’s hard to accept that parents or loved ones are not as strong as they once were. The poem makes us think about how we handle these feelings.
Some distract themselves, like the poet does by looking at lively scenes outside. Others face the feelings head-on. The poem also shows the importance of giving emotional support to our ageing loved ones. It reminds us to make them feel loved and cared for, even as they face the difficulties of growing old.
7. Question: What does the poem “My Mother at Sixty-Six” suggest about the inevitability of change and how we should respond to it? Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer:The poem shows that change, like the ageing of loved ones, is unavoidable, and we must learn to accept it. Kamala Das feels both fear and sadness when she sees her mother’s weakness. This reflects how hard it is to face such changes. But the poem also tells us to respond with love, care, and strength.
By accepting that time passes and brings changes, we can value the moments we still have with our loved ones. It teaches us to embrace change as a natural part of life. We should focus on building and maintaining our relationships, even when changes are hard to handle. The poem reminds us that while we cannot stop time, we can choose how to deal with its effects and make the most of our time.
8. Question: How does Kamala Das use the theme of fear in “My Mother at Sixty-Six” to convey her feelings about her mother’s ageing?Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer: Kamala Das uses the theme of fear to clearly show her deep worry about her mother’s ageing. This fear is clear when she compares her mother’s face to “ashen like that of a corpse.” It shows her fear of losing her mother. The poet’s fear is not only about her mother growing old but also about the emotional pain of being apart and the reality of death.
The repeated smile at the end shows she tries to hide her fear, but it stays strong in her mind. Through this fear, the poet shares her complex emotions, helping the reader feel the depth of her love and the strength of her fear. The poem makes us think about our own fears about our loved ones growing old and how we deal with these feelings.
9. Question: How does the poem “My Mother at Sixty-Six” make you think about the balance between holding on to the past and embracing the present?Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer: Kamala Das uses the theme of fear to clearly show her deep worry about her mother’s ageing. This fear is clear when she compares her mother’s face to “ashen like that of a corpse.” It shows her fear of losing her mother.
The poet’s fear is not only about her mother growing old but also about the emotional pain of being apart and the reality of death. The repeated smile at the end shows she tries to hide her fear, but it stays strong in her mind.
Through this fear, the poet shares her complex emotions, helping the reader feel the depth of her love and the strength of her fear. The poem makes us think about our own fears about our loved ones growing old and how we deal with these feelings.
10. Question: How does the poet’s experience in “My Mother at Sixty-Six” reflect the universal human experience of dealing with ageing and mortality?Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer: The poet’s experience in My Mother at Sixty-Six reflects the universal human struggle with ageing and mortality. Kamala Das feels deep fear and sadness as she sees her mother’s frailty. These are emotions many people face when watching a loved one grow old.
The poem shows the reality of time passing and the changes it brings, like physical weakness and the emotional pain of knowing our loved ones won’t be with us forever. The poet’s difficulty in accepting her mother’s ageing and fear of losing her mirrors the helplessness and worry we all feel when we face our own mortality or that of those we love. The poem reminds us that ageing is natural. It encourages us to face this reality with love, empathy, and strength, and to make the most of our time with loved ones.
11. Question: How might the poet’s childhood experiences influence her reaction to her mother’s ageing in the poem “My Mother at Sixty-Six”?Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer: The poet’s experience in My Mother at Sixty-Six reflects the universal human experience of facing ageing and mortality. Kamala Das’s fear and sadness when she sees her mother’s frailty are feelings that many people go through when they watch their loved ones age.
The poem beautifully captures how time passes and brings changes, like physical weakness and the emotional reality of knowing that loved ones won’t always be with us. The poet’s struggle to accept her mother’s ageing, and the fear of losing her, mirrors the common feelings of helplessness and anxiety people experience when they confront the ageing process or the thought of death.
This poem is a reminder that ageing is a natural part of life. It urges us to respond with empathy, love, and strength, and to treasure the time we have with our loved ones before it slips away.
12. Question: What can be inferred about the poet’s relationship with time and ageing based on her reflections in the poem?Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer: The poet’s reflections in My Mother at Sixty-Six suggest that she has a complex relationship with time and ageing. She seems to view time as both unstoppable and scary. The “sprinting trees” and “merry children” in the poem show her awareness that time moves quickly, leaving behind those who grow old.
This makes the poet feel helpless as she watches her mother age. The poem suggests that the poet sees ageing as a reminder of life’s impermanence, making her worry about how much time she has left with her loved ones.
Her reflections show that she is struggling with the fast passage of time and the emotional pain that comes with it. This also reflects her fear of losing the people she cares about as time moves forward.
13. Question: How might the poet’s feelings of guilt or regret influence her thoughts and emotions in “My Mother at Sixty-Six”?Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer:The poet may feel guilt or regret for not spending enough time with her mother or not expressing her love openly in My Mother at Sixty-Six. These feelings could make her fear of losing her mother stronger, making the sight of her mother’s ageing even more painful.
The repeated smile could be the poet’s way of hiding her guilt, as she tries to comfort her mother while dealing with her own inner struggles. The poem suggests that the poet realises time is running out and regrets not doing more to show her love and appreciation.
These emotions of guilt and regret may add to the intensity of her sadness and fear, making her experience of watching her mother grow old even more difficult to bear.
14. Question: What might the poet be trying to avoid or deny by focusing on the lively scenes outside the car in “My Mother at Sixty-Six”?Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer: In My Mother at Sixty-Six, the poet may be trying to avoid or deny the painful reality of her mother’s ageing by focusing on the lively scenes outside the car. The “sprinting trees” and “merry children” represent energy and life, which stand in contrast to her mother’s weakness.
By looking at these scenes, the poet could be trying to escape her fear and sadness about her mother’s mortality. This distraction suggests that the poet is not ready to fully face the idea of losing her mother.
The lively scenes outside act as a temporary escape from the emotional weight of her thoughts. By focusing on life outside, she avoids confronting the reality of time passing and her mother growing older.
15. Question: How might the poet’s reflections in “My Mother at Sixty-Six” indicate her thoughts on her own ageing and mortality?Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer: In My Mother at Sixty-Six, the poet’s reflections on her mother’s ageing may lead her to think about her own ageing and mortality. Watching her mother grow frail could remind the poet that she too will one day face the same reality.
This realisation might make her reflect on how she is spending her own time and what kind of legacy she will leave behind. The poem suggests an awareness that life is short and time is passing quickly.
As she struggles to accept her mother’s ageing, the poet might also be grappling with her own fears about getting older. The poem reflects her need to come to terms with her own mortality, just as she is coming to terms with her mother’s.
16. Question: How does the poem “My Mother at Sixty-Six” encourage us to appreciate the time we have with our loved ones?Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer:The poem My Mother at Sixty-Six encourages us to value the time we have with our loved ones by showing the poet’s deep fear of losing her mother. Kamala Das, as she reflects on her mother’s ageing, realises how quickly time passes and how fragile life can be.
This realisation urges us to think about how important it is to spend quality time with our loved ones. It reminds us to show love and care before it’s too late.
The poet’s sadness over her mother’s frailty reminds us that life is short, and we should cherish every moment with the people we care about. By doing this, we can avoid future regrets and make sure our relationships are filled with love and attention.
17. Question: What can the poem “My Mother at Sixty-Six” teach us about the importance of emotional resilience in difficult situations?Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer:The poem My Mother at Sixty-Six teaches us the importance of emotional resilience through the poet’s reaction to her mother’s ageing. Kamala Das feels deep fear and sadness, but she chooses to smile and comfort her mother, showing her inner strength.
This resilience highlights the need to stay calm and positive during tough times. The poet’s ability to manage her emotions while facing such a painful reality encourages us to build our own resilience.
It reminds us that by staying strong, we can better handle difficult emotions and situations. This emotional strength helps us support both our loved ones and ourselves, even when we are facing fear or sadness, without becoming overwhelmed.
18. Question: How does the poem “My Mother at Sixty-Six” highlight the significance of accepting life’s inevitable changes?Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer:The poem My Mother at Sixty-Six highlights the importance of accepting life’s inevitable changes through the poet’s struggle with her mother’s ageing. Kamala Das feels deep fear and sadness as she sees her mother’s frailty, realising that ageing and loss are natural parts of life.
This understanding encourages us to reflect on the need to accept changes, whether it’s the ageing of loved ones or other life transitions. The poet’s emotional journey from fear to acceptance teaches us that resisting change can cause more pain. By embracing life’s changes with grace and understanding, we can find peace.
It reminds us to appreciate the present and not hold on to what we cannot control. Accepting change helps us live fully in the moment, with love and clarity.
19. Question: What values does the poem “My Mother at Sixty-Six” promote regarding the way we treat our parents?Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer: The poem My Mother at Sixty-Six promotes values of love, care, and respect in the way we treat our parents. Kamala Das’s deep connection with her mother highlights the importance of these values, especially as parents age.
The poet’s fear of losing her mother reminds us to show kindness and understanding, as our parents become more vulnerable with time. The poem encourages us to be attentive to our parents’ needs, spend meaningful time with them, and express our appreciation for all they have done.
By nurturing these relationships with love and gratitude, we strengthen family bonds. It ensures that our parents feel valued and cared for, which is essential for their emotional well-being as they face the challenges of growing older.
20. Question: How does the poem “My Mother at Sixty-Six” make us reflect on the value of empathy in relationships?Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer: The poem My Mother at Sixty-Six makes us reflect on the value of empathy by showing the poet’s deep concern and understanding of her mother’s ageing. Kamala Das feels her mother’s pain and the fear of losing her, which drives her emotional response.
Despite her own fears, she smiles and comforts her mother, showing empathy in action. The poet’s ability to connect with her mother’s feelings highlights the importance of empathy in creating strong, supportive relationships.
The poem suggests that when we put ourselves in the place of our loved ones, we can better understand their struggles and give them the emotional support they need. Empathy builds deeper connections, helping us show compassion and care in our relationships.
21. Question: How does the poet’s experience in “My Mother at Sixty-Six” reflect the universal fear of loss, and how can this fear influence our relationships with loved ones?Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer:The poet’s experience in My Mother at Sixty-Six reflects the universal fear of losing a loved one, a fear many people share. This fear can shape how we interact with those close to us, making us realise how limited our time with them is.
It can push us to show love and care more openly or, at times, cause us to distance ourselves to avoid the pain of eventual loss. The poem encourages us to reflect on how this fear impacts our relationships.
It reminds us to balance our emotions so that fear does not overshadow the time we have with our loved ones. By doing so, we can ensure that love and connection remain at the heart of our relationships despite the fear of loss.
22. Question: In what ways does the poem “My Mother at Sixty-Six” challenge us to reconsider our perceptions of ageing and the elderly?Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer: The poem My Mother at Sixty-Six challenges us to rethink our views on ageing by offering a personal and emotional glimpse into the poet’s experience with her ageing mother. It makes us question how often society ignores the needs of the elderly, focusing more on youth and energy.
The poet’s fear and sadness emphasise the vulnerability of old age, urging us to reflect on how we treat the elderly in our own lives. The poem encourages us to approach ageing with empathy and care, appreciating the wisdom and experience that come with it.
It reminds us to ensure that our elderly loved ones feel valued, respected, and well cared for as they face the challenges of growing older.
23. Question: How does the poem “My Mother at Sixty-Six” make us reflect on the nature of time and its impact on our lives and relationships?Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer: The poem My Mother at Sixty-Six makes us think deeply about the nature of time and its effect on our lives and relationships. It contrasts the poet’s youthful memories with her mother’s current frailty, showing how time changes everything, including the people we love.
The poem highlights how time is both fleeting and inevitable, making us reflect on how we spend our time and prioritise our loved ones. It urges us to be mindful of time’s passing and to cherish the present, nurturing our relationships before time creates distance or loss. The poet’s experience reminds us that, while we cannot stop time, we can fill it with meaningful moments by valuing the people around us.
24. Question: What does the poem “My Mother at Sixty-Six” suggest about the emotional challenges of accepting life’s impermanence, and how can we cope with these challenges?Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer: The poem My Mother at Sixty-Six shows that accepting life’s impermanence is a significant emotional challenge, as reflected in the poet’s struggle with her mother’s ageing. Realising that everything, including our loved ones, is temporary can feel overwhelming and painful.
However, the poem also suggests coping with this reality by focusing on the present and making the most of the time we have together. It encourages emotional resilience, which helps us confront inevitable changes with grace and understanding. By embracing the idea that life is impermanent, we can learn to appreciate each moment more fully.
This allows us to strengthen our bonds with loved ones and live in a way that values the time we have, making each moment more meaningful.
25. Question: How does the imagery in “My Mother at Sixty-Six” enhance our understanding of the poet’s inner conflict, and what does it reveal about the human experience of balancing joy and sorrow?Answer in around 120 to 150 words.
Answer: The imagery in My Mother at Sixty-Six, like “sprinting trees” and “merry children,” contrasts with the poet’s inner sorrow. The lively scenes outside show joy and movement, while the poet feels sadness about her mother’s ageing. This contrast highlights how we often balance joy and sorrow in life.
The poet tries to focus on the liveliness around her to escape the pain of her mother growing old, but she cannot fully avoid her feelings. The poem shows that this struggle between joy and sadness is common. It reminds us to live in the present while accepting that losses are a natural part of life.