Question
English Question on My mother at sixty-six
Why has the poet brought in the image of the merry children 'spilling out of their homes'?
Answer
The poet highlights the helplessness and frailty of old age with the help of contrasts. The mother dozes off with her mouth open, whereas the children spill out of their homes. This signifies movement and energy, enthusiasm and vivacity, which the old people are bereft of.