What are the figures of speech in poem father to son by Elizabeth jennings?

Answer 1

The theme of this poem is the relationship between a father and sonand the generation gap that exists between them.

The father remarks that he cannotunderstand his son even though they have lived in the same house for years. They had a good relationship when the son was small; but now, as years have passed, the distance between them has grown. The father and son speak to each other as if they are strangers. Their thoughts don't match and there is no sign of understanding in the air. Although his son is very much similar to him, they do not share any common passion. There is deepsilence between them.

The father says that he would like his son to come back to him. He would prefer to see his son return to him than see himstruggling on his own to make his own life. He would forgive his son if he came and asked for forgiveness.

Even though the father and son do not understand each other, they must live together. Both of them offer to understand each other, but in vain. They both long to be together, but it is difficult for them to accept their differences and live with each other in harmony.

Answer 2

Elizabeth Jennings sensitises the youth and the parents to the problems that parents go through universally due to the distance created by generation gap. This is caused mainly due to not keeping the channels of communication open by the parents who are involved in their own lives(careers,personal issues)when their children need them the most,the traumatic teens. This in turn makes them reach out to their friends and gradually there are two different worlds created. By the time parents realise that the children have a separate world,the damage is already done and the process of coming together is a difficult and painful process. Parents must ensure to understand life also from the changing perception of theit children ,be flexible and set common ,realistic values and rules for their children. ofcourse being a role model is very important. you can't impose rules and be doing just the opposite.Children need love and understanding and if they get it from their parents,there never will be avoid or silence. respecting the differences which are natural is also akey to be a friend. A son always looks upto the father for guidance and support .The bond should be continuously nurtured. There will be no pain only happiness. The poem ends on anote of longing from the father to get back the son who has become distant. Reaching out of 'empty hands' means that they both are ready to take the relationship positively and make a fresh start. The father despite his grief is ready to forgive ,he has overcome his anger.

The Father is unhappy with his child. Though they have lived for so many years together they do not understand each other. They talk like strangers. Father is grieved. His grief gives birth to anger. But each of them wish that the other forgive him.

Answer 3

Symbol

Enjambment

Metaphor