Chapter 5: Father to Son (Poem)

English

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Class: XI

Exercise 1

Question 1

Does the poem talk of an exclusively personal experience or is it fairly universal?

Answer 1

The poem does talk of an exclusively personal experience. However, we can also call it fairly universal because a conflict like this is quite common in many households. It is also known as generation gap.

Question 2

How is the father’s helplessness brought out in the poem?

Answer 2

The helplessness of the father is highlighted through the depiction of the emotional struggle that he undergoes. He is aware of the problem and is willing to resolve it, but is unable to do so. He regrets the lack of a strong emotional bond and proper communication with his son who is also physically distanced from him.

Question 3

Identify the phrases and lines that indicate distance between father and son.

Answer 3

Phrases/lines that indicate distance between the father and the son are:
1. ‘I do not understand this child’
2. ‘I know / Nothing of him’
3. ‘We speak like strangers’
4. ‘there’s no sign/ Of understanding in the air’
5. ‘Silence surrounds us.’

Question 4

Does the poem have a consistent rhyme scheme?

Answer 4

No, the poem does not follow a consistent rhyme scheme.