12 Questions
What is Kamala Das recognized as?
A poet
Under what name did Kamala Das publish some of her works?
'Madhavikutty'
What is the title of one of Kamala Das' novels in English?
Alphabet of Beauty
What kind of writer is Kamala Das known to be?
Sensitive
In 'My Mother at Sixty-six', what realization does the speaker have about her mother?
She is as old as she looks
What was the state of the speaker's mother during the car journey to Cochin?
Sleeping peacefully
In 'My Mother at Sixty-six', the speaker describes her mother's face as ashen like that of a corpse, which literary device is being used in this description?
Simile
Based on the text, which of the following best describes Kamala Das as a writer?
A versatile writer known for capturing human relationships in lyrical language
What is the title of the collection of short stories by Kamala Das that includes 'Padmavati the Harlot'?
'Padmavati the Harlot and Other Stories'
What realization does the speaker have about her mother's age while driving to Cochin?
Her mother's age was a painful thought to consider
'My Mother at Sixty-six' is an example of which genre of writing?
Poetry
What does Kamala Das capture in her works according to the text?
The complexities of human relationships in lyrical language
Study Notes
Kamala Das: The Poet
- Born in 1934 in Malabar, Kerala
- Recognized as one of India's foremost poets
- Known for originality, versatility, and indigenous flavor in her works
Literary Contributions
- Published novels and short stories in English and Malayalam under the name 'Madhavikutty'
- Notable works in English include:
- Novel: Alphabet of Lust (1977)
- Collection of short stories: Padmavati the Harlot and Other Stories (1992)
- Five books of poetry
Poetic Style
- Captures complex subtleties of human relationships in lyrical idiom
- Example: My Mother at Sixty-six
The Poem "My Mother at Sixty-six"
- Reflects on the natural process of ageing
- Explores what elderly parents expect from their children
- Features personification, imagery, and vivid descriptions
- Describes the poet's observation of her mother during a car ride
- Contrasts the mother's ageing with the vibrant surroundings (young trees, children)
Test your knowledge about the poem 'My Mother at Sixty-six' by the renowned Indian poet Kamala Das. Learn about the poet's background, writing style, and key themes in this emotional poem.
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