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Análisis de "Mother at Sixty-Six" de Kamala Das

Jul 14, 2024

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.