MCQs of My Mother at Sixty-Six | Multiple Choice Questions with Answers | Class 12 | Flamingo | Poem 1

This page presents “My Mother at Sixty-Six ” MCQs for Class 12 from the book Flamingo. Perfect for quick Poem review and checking your Poem understanding. We have given answers and explanations also for better understanding. Read and enrich yourself.

MCQs of My Mother at Sixty-Six

1. Question: What does the “familiar ache” mentioned in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” symbolism for the poet?

a) Physical pain
b) Fear of losing her mother
c) Joyful memories
d) A childhood illness

Answer: Fear of losing her mother  
Reason: The “familiar ache” symbolises the poet’s deep fear of separation and the realisation that her mother is ageing and might not be with her forever.

2. Question: Why does Kamala Das describe the trees as “sprinting” in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” ?

a) To show that the trees are moving fast 
b) To highlight the poet’s anxiety  
c) To create a contrast between life and ageing
d) To describe the weather  

Answer: To create a contrast between life and ageing  
Reason: The “sprinting” trees show the liveliness of life, which contrasts with the poet’s awareness of her mother growing old.

3. Question: What does the “late winter’s moon” metaphor suggest about the poet’s mother in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” ?

a) She is cold and distant                           
b) She is tired and weak  
c) She is glowing and beautiful                 
d) She is happy and content  

Answer: She is tired and weak  
Reason: The “late winter’s moon” shows that the poet’s mother is pale and weak, like a fading moon at the end of winter.

4. Question: How does the poet’s smile at the end of the poem reflect her emotions in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” ?

a) She is genuinely happy                       
b) She is trying to hide her fear
c) She is angry at her mother                  
d) She is excited about her journey

Answer:She is trying to hide her fear  
Reason: The poet’s smile is an attempt to mask her deep fear and sadness about her mother’s ageing, showing her struggle to stay strong.

Also Read:

5. Question: What does the poet likely feel when she observes the “merry children spilling out of their homes” in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” ?

a) Envy towards the children                         
b) Nostalgia for her own childhood
c) Anger at their happiness                            
d) Indifference to their play

Answer:Nostalgia for her own childhood  
Reason: The sight of the “merry children” likely brings back memories of the poet’s own childhood, contrasting with the current reality of her mother’s ageing.

6. Question: What might the poet be trying to avoid by looking at the lively scenes outside the car in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” ?

a) Her own ageing                                       
b) The thought of returning home
c) The reality of her mother’s ageing          
d) A past trauma

Answer:The reality of her mother’s ageing  
Reason: The poet looks at the lively scenes outside to distract herself from the painful reality of her mother’s ageing and her fear of losing her.

7. Question: How does the imagery of the “corpse” affect the tone of the poem in “My Mother at Sixty Six” ?

a) It lightens the mood                           
b) It adds a sense of joy
c) It darkens and intensifies the tone     
d) It creates confusion

Answer:It darkens and intensifies the tone  
Reason: The comparison of the mother’s face to a “corpse” adds a sombre and intense tone, reflecting the poet’s deep fear and anxiety.

Also Read:

8. Question: What is the significance of the poet’s choice to use simple language in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” ?

a) It makes the poem easier to read         
b) It reflects the poet’s calm state of mind  
c) It emphasises the raw emotions           
d) It makes the poem less emotional  

Answer: It emphasises the raw emotions  
Reason: The simple language shows the poet’s deep and straightforward feelings, making the fear and sadness more intense.

9. Question: What does the poet’s act of saying “see you soon, Amma” signify in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” ?

a) She is in a hurry                              
b) She is indifferent to her mother’s condition
c) She wants to reassure her mother    
d) She is angry with her mother

Answer:She wants to reassure her mother  
Reason: The poet’s words are meant to comfort and reassure her mother, despite her own fears of what the future might hold.

10. Question: How does the theme of time manifest in the poet’s observations during the car ride in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” ?

a) The poet ignores the passage of time  
b) The poet becomes acutely aware of time passing  
c) The poet believes time is irrelevant  
d) The poet is confused by time  

Answer: The poet becomes acutely aware of time passing  
Reason: The poet notices things like the “sprinting trees,” which remind her how quickly time is moving, especially as her mother ages.

11. Question: How does the poem suggest that the poet views her relationship with her mother in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” ?

a) Distant and cold                                  
b) Full of unresolved anger
c) Deeply emotional and connected        
d) Casual and indifferent

Answer:Deeply emotional and connected  
Reason: The poem shows the poet’s deep love for her mother, seen in her fear of losing her and her effort to comfort her with a smile.

12. Question: What might the “security check” at the airport symbolise in the poem in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” ?

a) A barrier between life and death                      
b) A routine part of travel
c) The poet’s frustration with travelling               
d) A symbol of freedom

Answer:A barrier between life and death  
Reason: The “security check” could symbolise the boundary between life and death, as the poet confronts the reality of her mother’s ageing and the fear of losing her.

13. Question: How does the poet’s reflection on her mother’s ageing influence her view of her own life in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” ?

a) It makes her indifferent to life             
b) It deepens her appreciation for life  
c) It makes her resent her own ageing      
d) It makes her regret her past choices  

Answer: It deepens her appreciation for life  
Reason: Reflecting on her mother’s ageing makes the poet more aware of how short life is, encouraging her to value and cherish her time with loved ones.

14. Question: What does the contrast between the “merry children” and the poet’s mother suggest about the cycle of life in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” ?

a) Life remains static                
b) Life is a continuous cycle of youth and ageing
c) Youth is permanent              
d) Aging can be avoided

Answer:Life is a continuous cycle of youth and ageing  
Reason: The contrast between the children and the ageing mother highlights the natural cycle of life, where youth eventually gives way to old age.

15. Question: How does the poet’s repeated smile at the end of the poem reflect her inner conflict in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” ?

a) She is confused about her emotions
b) She is in denial of her true feelings
c) She is excited about her journey
d) She feels indifferent to her mother

Answer:She is in denial of her true feelings  
Reason:  The repeated smile shows the poet hiding her fear and sadness about her mother’s ageing, revealing inner conflict.

16. Question: Why might the poet choose to focus on her mother’s ageing during a car ride in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” ?

a) The car ride is a quiet time for reflection
b) The poet dislikes travelling
c) The poet wants to distract herself from the journey
d) The poet enjoys writing about mundane events

Answer:The car ride is a quiet time for reflection  
Reason: The car ride provides a moment of stillness, allowing the poet to deeply reflect on her mother’s ageing and the emotions it stirs within her.

17. Question: What could be the reason for the poet describing her mother’s face as “ashen like that of a corpse” in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” ? 

a) To exaggerate her mother’s appearance  
b) To express her fear of losing her mother  
c) To show dislike for her mother’s appearance  
d) To be humorous  

Answer: To express her fear of losing her mother  
Reason: Comparing her mother to a corpse shows the poet’s deep fear and worry about her mother’s frailty and the thought of losing her.

18. Question: Why does the poet likely choose to look at the “young trees sprinting” and “merry children” outside the car in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” ?

a) To admire nature
b) To find a distraction from her troubling thoughts
c) To ignore her mother
d) To imagine a different life

Answer:To find a distraction from her troubling thoughts  
Reason: The poet uses the lively scenes outside the car to distract herself from the painful reality of her mother’s ageing and her fear of losing her.

19. Question: What might be the poet’s intention in repeatedly smiling at the end of the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” ?

a) She wants to pretend she is happy
b) She wants to reassure her mother and herself
c) She is indifferent to her mother’s condition
d) She is genuinely joyful

Answer:She wants to reassure her mother and herself  
Reason: The repeated smile suggests that the poet is trying to comfort both her mother and herself, despite the underlying sadness and fear she feels.

20. Question: Why might the poet compare her mother’s face to a “late winter’s moon” in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” ?

a) To highlight her mother’s beauty
b) To indicate that her mother is pale and fragile
c) To show that her mother is full of life
d) To express her admiration for her mother

Answer:To indicate that her mother is pale and fragile  
Reason: The “late winter’s moon” metaphor suggests that the poet sees her mother as weak and fading, much like the dim, pale moon in late winter.

21. Question: What assumption can be made about the poet’s relationship with her mother based on the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” ?

a) The poet feels disconnected  
b) The poet has a deep emotional bond  
c) The poet is indifferent to her mother  
d) The poet and her mother frequently disagree  

Answer: The poet has a deep emotional bond  
Reason: The poet’s fear, sadness, and effort to comfort her mother show a strong emotional connection and deep love between them.

22. Question: Why does the poet feel a “familiar ache” in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six”?

a) She remembers past separations
b) She avoids spending time with her mother
c) She is not concerned about her mother
d) She feels physical pain

Answer: She remembers past separations  
Reason: The “familiar ache” reflects her fear and sadness about losing her mother, which she has felt before.

23. Question: What might the “security check” at the airport symbolise in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six”?

a) A barrier the poet must overcome                
b) A transition between life stages
c) The poet’s need for adventure                      
d) The poet’s impatience with travel

Answer: A transition between life stages  
Reason: The “security check” symbolises the shift in life, as the poet reflects on her mother’s ageing and life’s changes.

24. Question: Why does the poet repeat the word “smile” three times at the end of the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six”?

a) To show real happiness
b) To hide her fear and sadness
c) To express excitement for the future
d) To show she is not affected by her mother’s state

Answer: To hide her fear and sadness  
Reason: The repeated “smile” shows the poet is trying to cover up her deep feelings, using the smile to cope with her fear of losing her mother.

25. Question: What can be inferred about the poet’s view on ageing in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six”?

a) She finds ageing joyful
b) She sees ageing as scary and sad
c) She is indifferent to ageing
d) She thinks ageing can be avoided

Answer: She sees ageing as scary and sad  
Reason: The poet’s emotional response to her mother’s ageing shows that she views it as a painful and fearful experience.

26. Question: What value is most clearly reflected in the poet’s fear of losing her mother in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” ?

a) Independence
b) Empathy
c) Family bonds
d) Ambition

Answer:Family bonds  
Reason: The poet’s deep fear of losing her mother highlights the strong emotional bond and love that she shares with her, underscoring the value of close family relationships.

27. Question: Why does the poet smile at her mother despite feeling sad in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six”?

a) To hide her emotion                            
b) To keep her mother from worrying
c) To distract herself                                  
d) To seem indifferent

Answer: To keep her mother from worrying  
Reason: The poet smiles to comfort her mother, showing her care by not letting her mother see her sadness.

28. Question: What does the poet’s description of her mother as a “late winter’s moon” suggest about her view of ageing in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six”?

a) Ageing makes one stronger                     
b) Ageing creates distance
c) Ageing brings peace and joy                   
d) Ageing offers new beginnings

Answer: Ageing creates distance  
Reason: The “late winter’s moon” symbolises ageing as fragile and distant, showing the poet’s concern and empathy for the elderly.

29. Question: What value does the poet demonstrate by trying to distract herself from the sight of her ageing mother in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” ?

a) Escape                                                               
b) Resilience
c) Avoidance                                                         
d) Indifference

Answer:Resilience  
Reason: The poet’s attempt to distract herself shows her resilience, as she tries to cope with the painful reality of her mother’s ageing without breaking down emotionally.

30. Question: How does the poem show the importance of appreciating the present moment in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six”?

a) The poet thinks about the past                     
b) The poet plans for the future
c) The poet feels her current emotions            
d) The poet avoids her feelings

Answer: The poet feels her current emotions  
Reason: The poet’s reflection during the car ride highlights the importance of being present and fully feeling the moment, even when it’s hard.

31. Question: What value is the poet likely expressing by repeatedly smiling at her mother despite her fear in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” ?

a) Honesty                                                            
b) Strength
c) Deception                                                         
d) Weakness

Answer:Strength  
Reason: The repeated smile shows the poet’s inner strength as she tries to maintain a positive demeanour for her mother’s sake, despite her own fear and sadness.

32. Question: How does the poet’s reflection on her mother’s ageing show the value of empathy in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six”?

a) By ignoring her mother’s feelings
b) By being indifferent to her mother’s state
c) By understanding her mother’s vulnerability
d) By focusing on her own emotions

Answer: By understanding her mother’s vulnerability  
Reason: The poet’s emotional response shows empathy, as she deeply feels and understands her mother’s fragility.

33. Question: Why does the poet likely avoid directly expressing her fear to her mother in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six” ?

a) To maintain her own composure
b) To protect her mother’s feelings
c) To keep herself from crying
d) To appear indifferent

Answer: To protect her mother’s feelings  
Reason: The poet likely avoids expressing her fear to prevent causing her mother additional worry, reflecting the value of caring for others’ emotional wellbeing.

34. Question: What does the poet’s observation of “merry children spilling out of their homes” suggest in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six”?

a) Contrast between youth and old age
b) Importance of staying young
c) Age doesn’t matter
d) Children should grow up quickly

Answer: Contrast between youth and old age  
Reason: It shows the difference between the energy of youth and the fragility of old age.

35. Question: What does the poet’s reflection on her mother’s ageing suggest about acceptance in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six”?

a) Accepting life’s unpredictability
b) Accepting that ageing can be avoided
c) Accepting change and loss
d) Accepting that emotions should be hidden

Answer: Accepting change and loss  
Reason: The poet realises that ageing and loss are natural, showing the value of accepting these changes in life.

36. Question: What does the poet’s reflection on her mother’s frailty suggest about her views on the cycle of life in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six”?

a) Life is endless
b) Life has a natural beginning and end
c) Ageing can be avoided
d) She is indifferent to life’s cycle

Answer: Life has a natural beginning and end  
Reason: The poet’s focus on her mother’s ageing shows her acceptance of the natural cycle of life.

37. Question: Why does the poet not describe her mother’s emotions during the car ride in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six”? 

a) She doesn’t know her mother’s feelings
b) She focuses on her own experience
c) Her mother’s emotions are irrelevant
d) She doesn’t care about her mother’s feelings

Answer: She focuses on her own experience  
Reason: By focusing on her own emotions, the poet highlights her personal struggle with her mother’s ageing.

38. Question: How do the poet’s observations of the young trees and children impact her understanding of life’s journey in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six”?

a) She envies their youth
b) She sees life as a cycle of renewal
c) She wants to return to childhood
d) She feels disconnected from life

Answer: She sees life as a cycle of renewal  
Reason: The contrast between youth and her mother’s ageing makes the poet reflect on life’s ongoing renewal.

39. Question: What does the poet’s effort to smile at her mother despite her own fears suggest about her character in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six”?

a) She is emotionally distant                     
b) She is strong and compassionate
c) She is uncaring                                      
d) She is avoiding reality

Answer:She is strong and compassionate  
Reason: The poet’s effort to smile shows her strength and compassion, as she tries to comfort her mother despite her own deep fears and sadness.

40. Question: What does the poet’s use of simple language suggest about her approach to emotions in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six”?

a) She avoids deep feelings                        
b) She expresses emotions clearly
c) She is indifferent to feelings                  
d) She doesn’t understand emotions

Answer: She expresses emotions clearly  
Reason: The simple language shows the poet’s honesty and directness in sharing her emotions.

41. Question: How does the poet’s reflection on her mother’s age affect her understanding of time in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six”?

a) Time is endless                                 
b) Time is fleeting and unstoppable
c) Time can be controlled                     
d) She ignores time

Answer: Time is fleeting and unstoppable  
Reason: The poet realises that time keeps moving forward, making her aware of its temporary nature.

42. Question: Why does the poet describe her mother’s face as “pale” in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six”?

a) To show the harsh reality of ageing          
b) To show indifference to her mother
c) To create a cheerful mood                         
d) To admire her mother

Answer: To show the harsh reality of ageing  
Reason: The “pale” face reflects the poet’s awareness of her mother’s fragility and the inevitability of ageing.

43. Question: How does the poet’s choice to end the poem with a smile affect the tone in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six”?

a) It brings hope amidst sadness               
b) It makes the poem feel indifferent
c) It creates confusion                               
d) It shows the poet’s joy

Answer: It brings hope amidst sadness  

Reason: The smile suggests that despite the sadness, the poet is holding on to hope and staying positive with her mother.

44. Question: What does the poet’s repeated focus on her mother’s appearance suggest about her fears in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six”?

a) She is focused on beauty
b) She is deeply afraid of losing her mother
c) She doesn’t care about her mother
d) She is sure her mother will recover

Answer: She is deeply afraid of losing her mother  
Reason: The poet’s focus on her mother’s frailty shows her fear of her mother’s mortality and the possibility of loss.

45. Question: What does the poet’s focus on the “young trees sprinting” and “merry children” suggest about her feelings toward her mother’s condition in the poem “My Mother at Sixty Six”?

a) She feels detached from her mother
b) She is trying to escape her sadness
c) She is celebrating life’s vibrancy
d) She feels indifferent to her mother’s ageing

Answer: She is trying to escape her sadness  
Reason: By focusing on the lively scenes outside, the poet tries to distract herself from the sadness of her mother’s ageing, showing her struggle with emotions.