Question

Answer in 40 – 50 words. Having looked at the mother, why does the poet look at the ‘merry children’ ? (My Mother at Sixty-six)

Hint:

She looks at the children to distract herself from the painful thought of her mother's approaching death.

Answer 1

Step 1: Recall the scene:
On the drive to the airport the poet sees her mother's pale face and is struck by a painful thought. She then turns her eyes to the children outside.

Step 2: Explain the purpose:
The cheerful, playful children show life and energy. By looking at them, the poet tries to distract herself from the painful thought of her mother's old age and approaching death.

Final Answer:
She looks at the merry children to turn her mind away from the thought of her mother's approaching death.