All questions of Poem - Father to Son for Class 11 Exam

The poem father to son by Elizabeth Jennings sheds light on the troubled relationship of a father with his son.

The son resembles his father physically, yet he had his own vision, dreams and aspiration. He is not home bound and is not afraid to venture forth. The protective father is willing to forgive him for incurring loss of material wealth provided he returns home. The painful experience of lack of communication fills the father with utter helplessness, anger and grief. His efforts to restore the relationship fail as there is no response from the other side.

The father’s helplessness is brought about by the existing circumstances. Usually a father is the best friend and advisor of the son. However, there is no bond of affinity or relationship between the two. It seems that the two are not on speaking terms even while living under the same roof. The father feels helpless that he can’t share what his son loves.

The poem depicts a father-son relationship which exists in name only. The two have been living together in the same house for years. Even then the father does not understand his son. He confesses that he knows nothing of his son. The bond of affection between them lie broken. They have become formal just like strangers. Although the son resembles his father physically, yet he had his own vision, dreams and aspiration. He is not home bound and is not afraid to venture forth. The protective father is willing to forgive him for incurring loss of material wealth provided he returns home. The painful experience of lack of communication fills the father with utter helplessness, anger and grief. His efforts to restore the relationship fail as there is no response from the other side.

Father loves his son a lot and is ready to forgive him. He wants him to return back as a prodigal son in the bible who went away from the home, spent all his money and realized his mistake and asked his father for forgiveness and in return father also forgiven him.

The poem depicts a father-son relationship which exists in name only. The two have been living together in the same house for years. Even then the father does not understand his son. He confesses that he knows nothing of his son. The bond of affection between them lie broken. They have become formal just like strangers. Although the son resembles his father physically, yet he had his own vision, dreams and aspiration. He is not home bound and is not afraid to venture forth. The protective father is willing to forgive him for incurring loss of material wealth provided he returns home. The painful experience of lack of communication fills the father with utter helplessness, anger and grief. His efforts to restore the relationship fail as there is no response from the other side.

Explanation:

Alliteration is a literary device in which the repetition of initial consonant sounds occurs in neighboring words or syllables. It is often used to create a musical or rhythmic effect in poetry or prose.

Identifying the Alliteration:
Let's analyze each option to identify the alliteration:

a) Silence surrounds us - This option contains the repetition of the "s" sound in the words "silence" and "surrounds." Therefore, it is an example of alliteration.

b) We speak like strangers - This option does not contain any repetition of initial consonant sounds, so it is not an example of alliteration.

c) I do not understand this child - This option does not contain any repetition of initial consonant sounds, so it is not an example of alliteration.

d) I would have - This option does not contain any repetition of initial consonant sounds, so it is not an example of alliteration.

Conclusion:
Among the given options, only option 'a' ("Silence surrounds us") contains the repetition of initial consonant sounds, making it an example of alliteration.

Introduction:
In the given context, the son speaks for the first time, and we are asked whether he feels sad about the distance between them. The correct answer is option 'A' - Yes, he did feel sad about the distance between them. Let's explore the reasons behind this answer.

Explanation:

1. Understanding the context:
- The question implies that there is a distance between the son and someone else, possibly his father or someone close to him.
- The son speaking for the first time suggests a significant event or moment in their relationship.
- The question asks whether the son feels sad about this distance.

2. The significance of the son speaking for the first time:
- The son speaking for the first time indicates a breakthrough in their communication and connection.
- It implies that the son has been silent or unable to express himself verbally for a considerable period.
- Such a breakthrough is often emotionally charged and can lead to a range of feelings and emotions.

3. Emotional response:
- Given the significance of the son speaking for the first time, it is highly likely that he would feel various emotions related to the distance between them.
- The son might feel sad because the distance between them prevented him from expressing himself earlier.
- He might also feel sad because the distance signifies a lack of understanding, emotional support, or a strained relationship.

4. Unspoken emotions:
- The question suggests that the son might feel sad "in his heart," indicating that he may not openly express this sadness.
- The son's inability to communicate verbally in the past might have resulted in suppressed emotions.
- Hence, even if the son does feel sad about the distance, he might not have openly expressed or acknowledged it.

5. Conclusion:
- Considering the significance and emotional impact of the son speaking for the first time, it is highly likely that he feels sad about the distance between them.
- While the son's exact emotions may not be explicitly stated, the question implies that he does feel sad, reinforcing option 'A' as the correct answer.

The poem 'Father to Son' is written by Elizabeth Jennings. The poem is about the anguish of a father who doesn't have a good relationship with his son. His son is now grown up and is busy in his life. The father is bitter about the generation gap between them and the feeling of separation.

The father’s helplessness is brought about by the existing circumstances. Usually a father is the best friend and advisor of the son. However, there is no bond of affinity or relationship between the two. It seems that the two are not on speaking terms even while living under the same roof. The father feels helpless that he can’t share what his son loves.

The father finds the son’s interests quite different. He is home bound, whereas the son is on the look out for fresh avenues. He aspires for a world of his own. The father wants him to return home even if he undergoes losses by his extravagant ventures. He is willing to make up with him if he agrees to live with him.

Father and son both put out an empty hand because they seek to reach out to each other devoid of previous baggage. They come to each other without their own preconceived notions or conditions, they have chosen to forgive and forget. They have nothing common between each other anymore, nothing that can be shared.

In the lines 'The seed I spent or sown it where', and 'Silence surrounds us' the poetic device used is alliteration. In expression 'We speak like strangers' the poetic device used is 'simile'.

The son admits that he is at a point where he is struggling to understand even himself. He does feel the grief of the broken relationship he shares his father and yet, there is an anger that arises out of his confused, fraught inner self. The son seems to be in the same confused, sad and yet, angry phase of growth.

Understanding oneself
The son in the passage shares that he is at a point where he doesn't understand himself. This is evident from his statement, "I am at a point in my life where I don’t really understand myself." The son expresses a sense of confusion and uncertainty about his own identity and self-perception.

A) He is at a point where he doesn’t understand himself
The son's statement suggests that he is going through a period of self-reflection and introspection. He acknowledges that he is grappling with the complexity of his own thoughts, emotions, and experiences. This indicates that he is in the process of trying to understand himself better.

Reasoning behind the answer
The answer to this question can be found in the son's own words in the passage. He explicitly states that he doesn't understand himself, indicating a lack of self-awareness or clarity about his own identity and inner workings. This aligns with option A) as the correct answer.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the son in the passage shares that he is currently at a point in his life where he doesn't understand himself. This statement reflects his own sense of confusion and introspection, indicating that he is in the process of self-discovery and trying to gain a deeper understanding of his own identity.

The answer to this question is option 'B) Not at all'. The father does not want his son to move around in his own world.

Explanation:
The given question is related to the relationship between a father and his son. In order to understand the answer, let's analyze the possible options one by one.

a) Yes, absolutely: This option implies that the father wants his son to move around in his own world. However, this contradicts the given information in the question, which states that the father does not want his son to do so. Thus, this option is incorrect.

b) Not at all: This option suggests that the father does not want his son to move around in his own world. This aligns with the information provided in the question. The father may have concerns about his son being isolated or disconnected from the real world. Therefore, this option is the correct answer.

c) Maybe: This option implies uncertainty and does not provide a clear answer. It does not provide any specific indication of the father's desires regarding his son's behavior. Therefore, this option is not the correct answer.

d) None of the above: This option implies that none of the given options are correct. However, option 'B) Not at all' correctly represents the father's desires. Thus, this option is incorrect.

In conclusion, the correct answer is option 'B) Not at all' as it accurately reflects the father's wishes for his son not to move around in his own world.

Yes

The answer to the question is 'Yes', there is a silence between the father and the son. This can be inferred from the question itself, as it asks if there is a silence between the two individuals.

Silence can be interpreted as the absence of communication or conversation between two people. It is often associated with a lack of understanding or a breakdown in the relationship. In this case, the silence between the father and the son suggests that there is a lack of communication or a strained relationship between them.

There could be several reasons for this silence between the father and the son. It could be due to unresolved conflicts, misunderstandings, or differences in opinions. It could also be a result of emotional distance or a lack of emotional connection between the two individuals.

Silence can also be a form of communication itself. It can be a way for individuals to express their anger, disappointment, or disapproval without saying anything. The silence between the father and the son could be a reflection of their unexpressed emotions or their inability to communicate effectively.

It is important to note that silence does not always indicate a negative or unhealthy relationship. Sometimes, silence can be a sign of mutual understanding, respect, or reflection. It can be a way for individuals to give each other space or time to process their thoughts and emotions.

In conclusion, the answer to the question is 'Yes', there is a silence between the father and the son. This silence could be a result of various factors, such as unresolved conflicts, emotional distance, or a lack of effective communication. However, it is important to consider the context and the specific dynamics of the relationship between the father and the son to fully understand the reasons behind this silence.

Father tells him that although they have lived in the same house for years, he doesn’t understand him.

Explanation:
Understanding someone requires more than just physical proximity. It involves empathizing with their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. In this case, the father is expressing that despite living together for years, he still doesn't truly comprehend his son's perspective.

1. Lack of connection:
- Living in the same house does not guarantee a deep emotional connection.
- The father's statement suggests a lack of understanding and connection between him and his son.

2. Different perspectives:
- Each individual has a unique set of experiences, beliefs, and values that shape their worldview.
- The father might find it challenging to understand his son's perspective due to generational differences or contrasting personalities.

3. Communication barriers:
- Effective communication is crucial for understanding one another.
- The father and son may not have open and honest conversations, hindering their ability to truly understand each other.

4. Emotional distance:
- Emotional distance can create barriers to understanding.
- If the father and son have difficulty expressing their emotions or maintaining a close relationship, it can contribute to the father's lack of understanding.

5. Complex nature of human psychology:
- Understanding someone on a deep level requires insight into their thoughts, emotions, and motivations.
- Humans are complex beings, and it can be challenging to fully comprehend another person's inner world.

6. Need for empathy:
- Empathy, the ability to understand and share another person's feelings, is crucial for deep understanding.
- The father may need to develop empathy towards his son to bridge the gap and gain a better understanding of him.

In conclusion, living in the same house does not automatically lead to understanding. It requires emotional connection, effective communication, empathy, and effort to truly comprehend another person. The father's statement reflects a lack of understanding towards his son, indicating the need for improved emotional connection and communication between them.