In My Mother at Sixty-six, the phrase “all I did was smile and smile and smile” signifies the poet’s attempt to mask her inner sadness and fear. Despite feeling a deep sorrow and anxiety about her mother’s frailty and the inevitable separation that aging brings, the poet chooses to smile outwardly to reassure her mother. The repeated smile suggests a desire to remain composed and to hide her true emotions, not wanting to burden her mother with her concerns. It reflects the poet’s internal conflict between the need to express her grief and the need to provide comfort and strength in that moment.
This question related to Poem 1 English Flamingo Class 12th NCERT.
From the Poem 1. My Mother at Sixty six.
Give answer according to your understanding.
The repetitive “smile” underscores the poet’s effort to mask her fear and sadness. Therefore option B is correct answer.
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