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English | Class 11th | Hornbill | NCERT
Father to Son | Poem 5 | Summary | Questions and Answers |
Childhood
I do not understand
this child
Though we have lived
together now
In the same house for
years. I know
Nothing of him, so try
to build
Up a relationship from
how
He was when small. Yet
have I killed
The seed I spent or
sown it where
The land is his and
none of mine?
We speak like
strangers, there’s no sign
Of understanding in the
air.
This child is built to
my design
Yet what he loves I
cannot share.
Silence surrounds us. I
would have
Him prodigal, returning
to
His father’s house, the
home he knew,
Rather than see him
make and move
His world. I would
forgive him too,
Shaping from sorrow a
new love.
Father and son, we both
must live
On the same globe and
the same land,
He speaks: I cannot
understand
Myself, why anger grows
from grief.
We each put out an
empty hand,
Longing for something to forgive.
(Elizabeth Jennings)
Short Summary
"Father
to Son" by Elizabeth Jennings explores the
emotional gap between a father and his son. The father laments the disconnect
that has developed over time, as he feels he barely knows his son despite
living together. He reflects on the changes in their relationship as the son
grows up and becomes an individual with his own identity. The father wishes to
rebuild their relationship and find a way to communicate, expressing regret and
longing for connection. The poem highlight’s themes of family bonds,
generational differences, and the universal struggle of bridging emotional
distances within families.
Think it out
Question 1. Does the
poem talk of an exclusively personal experience or is it fairly universal?
Answer: The poem reflects a fairly universal experience, as it addresses the emotional distance that can arise between parents and children as children grow and develop their own identities. Many parents may feel this sense of disconnect, making the poem relatable to a broad audience.
Question 2. How is the
father’s helplessness brought out in the poem?
Answer:
The father’s helplessness is expressed through his inability to understand or
connect with his son, despite his desire to bridge the gap. He confesses that
he barely knows his son and cannot communicate effectively, showing his
frustration and regret over the distance between them. Lines like “We speak
like strangers” and “I do not understand this child” highlight his struggle and
helplessness in rebuilding their relationship.
Question 3. Identify
the phrases and lines that indicate distance between father and son.
Answer:
Phrases like “We speak like strangers,” “I do not understand this child,” and
“Silence surrounds us” indicate the emotional distance and lack of
understanding between the father and son. These lines portray the strained
relationship and lack of communication that create a sense of alienation.
Question 4. Does the poem have a
consistent rhyme scheme?
Answer:
The poem does not follow a consistent rhyme scheme, which reflects the theme of
disconnection and the lack of harmony in the father-son relationship. This
irregular structure mirrors the father’s inner conflict and the disjointed
nature of their bond.
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