Possible response:

The Mother's Face in "My Mother at Sixty Six"

The speaker in Kamala Das's poem "My Mother at Sixty Six" observes her mother's face while traveling with her in a car and reflects on the fragility of life and the inevitability of aging and death. The line "Her face ashen like that of a corpse" refers to the mother's appearance, which strikes the speaker as a stark contrast to her memories of her mother as a vibrant and strong woman.

Possible factors that contribute to the mother's face looking like that of a corpse include:

- Physical exhaustion: The mother has just traveled a long distance by train and is now sitting in a car, which can be tiring and uncomfortable, especially for older people. The speaker notes that her mother's eyes are "closed now in this obedient sleep," suggesting that she may be resting or dozing off. However, the speaker also comments that the mother's "mouth too moves in prayer" and that she "looks older" than she actually is, indicating that her mother may be feeling weak or unwell due to the journey or other factors.
- Emotional stress: The speaker hints at some tension or conflict between herself and her mother, as she says that she is "driving from my parent's home / to Cochin, [...] alone / on this empty road" and that "I am tired of being / a woman." The mother's face may reflect some of the sadness or anxiety that she and the speaker feel about their relationship or their lives in general. The speaker also mentions that the mother "might / suddenly open her eyes, / like a child at a toyshop," suggesting that the mother may be experiencing some moments of joy or wonder amidst her weariness and sorrow.
- Natural aging: The mother's face may simply be showing the signs of aging that are common to all humans. The speaker notes that the mother's hair has "turned grey," that her "skin has turned to ash," and that her "features are not those / of the girl I remember." The mother's face may reflect the passage of time and the gradual decline of her physical and mental abilities as she approaches the end of her life.

Overall, the mother's face in "My Mother at Sixty Six" can be seen as a symbol of mortality and human vulnerability, as well as a reminder of the complex emotions and relationships that shape our lives. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of aging, loss, and love, and to appreciate the beauty and fragility of life.