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Cheat sheet · Class 12 · CBSE · Science English

Flamingo (Poem): My Mother at Sixty-six cheat sheet

The whole chapter on one page: key formulas, facts and the points to remember, for quick revision before a test.

CBSE Class 12 · English

Cheat sheet

Chapter 9My Mother at Sixty-six

Fear of losing a parent, hidden behind a smile.

1. About

Poet: Kamala Das. A short, emotional poem about ageing and separation.

2. Summary

  • Driving to Cochin airport, the poet sees her mother dozing, pale and lifeless-looking.
  • She feels her old childhood fear of losing her mother.
  • She looks away at young trees and playing children — images of life.
  • At security, she says ‘see you soon’ and only smiles, hiding her pain.

3. Devices

  • Simile comparing the face to a corpse and to the late winter moon.
  • Contrast: ageing mother vs sprinting trees and merry children.
  • One long sentence; free verse.

4. Themes

  • ageing
  • fear of loss
  • parent–child bond

5. Key Points

  • Smile is a mask.
  • Repetition of ‘smile’ shows strained emotion.
  • Ache is an old, familiar fear.
  • Journey = separation.

Remember: Pale mother | childhood fear | smile

Flamingo (Poem): My Mother at Sixty-six: questions and notes

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