Mother at Sixty-Six - Kamala Das

Introduction

• Author: Kamala Das, also known by the pen name Madhavikutti.
• Birthplace: Kerala, India.
• Recognized as: One of India's foremost early women poets.
• Characteristic: Her works reflect her personality — sensitivity, beauty, boldness, etc.
• Inspiration: Her writings are true expressions of her inner emotions.

Summary of the Poem

• Composition: Kamala went to her parents' house to meet her mother and was on her way to the airport.
• Mother's Face: Her mother was sleeping in the car, and her face looked very old and pale, which frightened the poet.
• View Outside the Window: Kamala looked outside and saw trees and children, which contrasted with her mother.
• At the Airport: Her mother’s face was like a late winter moon (lacking radiance, showing old age).
• Childhood Fear: Kamala felt her childhood fear again — the fear of losing her mother.
• Spending Time: Kamala smiled and told her mother that she will see her again.

Important Points

Beginning of the Poem

• Drive to the Airport from Parents’ Place: Kamala started the journey in the back seat of the car with her mother.
• Mother’s Sleeping Face: Her mother’s mouth was opened and her face looked like ashes.
• Fear: Fear of her mother’s aging and the possibility of her death.
• Mother’s Face: A pale face, like ashes, resembling a dead body.
• Distracting Herself: Looking out of the window, seeing green trees and happy children.
• View Outside the Window: Trees and children filled with energy and life, contrasting with her mother.

Scene at the Airport

• At the Airport: Her mother’s face was like a late winter moon, lacking brightness and life.
• Farewell to Mother: Kamala told her mother that she will see her again, which her mother confirmed with three smiles.
  • First Smile: Realization of her age and approaching death.
  • Second Smile: Braving the reality.
  • Third Smile: Hope to meet her mother again.

Important Questions

1. Other names of Kamala Das?

   • Also known as Madhavikutti.

2. Main theme of the poem?

   • The relationship between mother and daughter, the aging of the mother, and the daughter’s fear.

3. What was seen upon reaching the airport?

   • Her mother’s face looked like a late winter moon.

4. Significance of the smiles?

   • Symbolized fear, bravery, and hope.