What is theme of my mother at sixty six?

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The central idea of the poem is 'aging' which is the external law of nature.The whole poem is concentrated on that pain only.The poet also mentioned the close relationship which a mother and daughter...

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The poem is based on the fear of a daughter of her aging mother. She remembers her childhood fear ( mother will leave her alone and go) which will repeat now , when her mother dies.. But she doesn't express this thus she smile and smile and smile

Answer

Theme of 'My Mother at Sixty Six'

'My Mother at Sixty Six' is a poignant poem written by Kamala Das, a renowned Indian poet. The poem explores the theme of mortality and the emotional conflict that arises when one is confronted with the realization of their parents' aging and eventual mortality.

1. Introduction
The poem begins with the speaker describing her mother, who is sixty-six years old. The speaker and her mother are in a car, driving through the city. The setting of the car journey serves as a metaphor for the passage of time and the journey towards the inevitable end.

2. The portrayal of aging
The poem vividly portrays the physical signs of aging that the mother exhibits. The speaker describes her mother's gray hair, nervously bitten nails, and pale face. These details emphasize the vulnerability and fragility of the mother, creating a sense of unease and concern in the speaker.

3. The conflict between life and death
The theme of mortality is further developed through the contrast between life and death. As they drive past the cemetery, the speaker is reminded of the reality of death. This stark juxtaposition of life and death heightens the speaker's anxiety and fear for her mother's well-being.

4. The emotional turmoil
The poem delves into the emotional turmoil experienced by the speaker as she confronts her mother's mortality. The speaker feels a deep sadness, fearing the inevitable loss and separation that death will bring. This emotional conflict is evident in lines such as 'I saw the ancient/ salt-flats of her eyes' which suggest the welling up of tears.

5. The role reversal
The poem also explores the role reversal that often occurs when parents age. The speaker, who was once dependent on her mother, now takes on the role of the caregiver and protector. This role reversal adds another layer of complexity to the speaker's emotions, as she grapples with her own mortality while caring for her aging mother.

6. Acceptance and love
Despite the fear and sadness, the poem ends on a note of acceptance and love. The speaker gazes at her mother's face and realizes the inevitability of aging and death. The final lines, 'I drove all night;/ crept into my mother's bed', indicate the speaker's desire to be close to her mother, to offer comfort and reassurance in the face of mortality.

Conclusion
In 'My Mother at Sixty Six,' Kamala Das beautifully captures the emotional journey of a daughter coming to terms with her mother's aging and mortality. The poem explores themes of mortality, emotional conflict, and the enduring love between a mother and daughter. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Das invites readers to reflect on the universal experience of aging and the preciousness of our relationships with our loved ones.

Answer

The theme of this poem is  hiding the pain is partition of a mother and daughter

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