Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (Delhi 2009)
…….and felt that old familiar ache, my childhood’s fear, but all I said was, see you soon, Amma, all I did was smile and smile and smile …
What was the childhood fear that now troubled the poet?
What do the poet’s parting words suggest?
Why did the poet smile and smile?
…….and felt that old familiar ache, my childhood’s fear, but all I said was, see you soon, Amma, all I did was smile and smile and smile …
What was the childhood fear that now troubled the poet?
What do the poet’s parting words suggest?
Why did the poet smile and smile?
Answers & Comments
Answer:
Explanation:
1. The childhood fear of death and decay now troubled the poet. She is concerned about her mother’s frail health and old age.
2. The poet’s parting words reveal her fear. Though she hopes she will see her mother soon but she is anxious about her mother’s deteriorating health and falls short of words to convey her true feelings.
3. The poet smiled and smiled in an effort to reassure herself that she will meet her mother soon. Her words and smiles are a deliberate attempt to hide her real fears and feelings from her mother.