Question

What does the word ‘cardboard’ denote in the poem? Why has this word been used?

Answer 1

The cardboard denotes the hard paper on which the photograph was pasted and safely preserved since years. The word has been used to clarify the age of the photograph. The photograph is so old that the frame has shattered and only the cardboard to which it was stuck to remains.

JAI SHREE KRISHNA

Answer 2

Answer:

The word 'cardboard' in the poem refers to the photograph of the poet's mother enjoying a sea-holiday with her two cousins, Betty and Dolly when she was twelve years old.

The cardboard stands for the frame that supports and holds the photograph. It signifies that life is transient and what remains is an insignificant piece of paper.