NCERT Class 11 English Questions and Answers – “Father to Son”
Understanding the Poem
- Does the poem talk of an exclusively personal experience or is it fairly universal?
Answer: The poem talks about an experience that, while personal, is fairly universal. The feelings of estrangement, misunderstanding, and the desire for reconciliation between a father and son are common in many parent-child relationships. The poem captures the emotional distance that can grow between family members, making it relatable to a wide audience.
- What does the poet mean when he says, ‘I would have / Him prodigal, returning to / His father’s house, the home he knew’?
Answer: When the poet says, “I would have / Him prodigal, returning to / His father’s house, the home he knew,” he refers to the biblical story of the Prodigal Son. The father wishes for his son to return home, even if he has been wasteful or irresponsible, indicating a longing for reconciliation and a return to a familiar and harmonious relationship.
- Does the poem have a consistent rhyme scheme?
Answer: No, the poem does not have a consistent rhyme scheme. It is written in free verse, which allows for a more natural flow of thoughts and emotions, reflecting the tumultuous and unresolved relationship between the father and the son.
- In what way do you think this poem is autobiographical?
Answer: The poem can be considered autobiographical if it reflects the personal experiences of the poet. It might draw from the poet’s own life, expressing feelings of estrangement and the desire for understanding and connection with his own child. However, without specific information about the poet’s life, it is speculative to determine its autobiographical nature definitively.
- What kind of relationship do the father and son share?
Answer: The father and son share a strained and distant relationship. They are unable to communicate effectively, resulting in a lack of understanding and emotional connection. The father feels a sense of loss and disappointment, while the son appears detached and unresponsive, highlighting a significant emotional gap between them.
Additional Questions for Practice
- How does the father feel about his son?
Answer: The father feels a mix of love, disappointment, and helplessness towards his son. He longs for a closer relationship and wishes to understand his son better, but he is also frustrated by the emotional distance and lack of communication between them.
- What is the significance of the title “Father to Son”?
Answer: The title “Father to Son” signifies the direct and personal nature of the relationship being explored in the poem. It emphasizes the connection and the generational bond between the two, highlighting the father’s perspective and his emotional journey in trying to bridge the gap with his son.
- Why does the father want his son to return to ‘the home he knew’?
Answer: The father wants his son to return to ‘the home he knew’ because it represents a time of closeness, familiarity, and shared memories. It symbolizes a desire to restore their relationship to its former state, where there was understanding and emotional intimacy.
- What emotions does the son display in the poem?
Answer: The son displays emotions of detachment, indifference, and perhaps a sense of rebellion. He appears disconnected from his father and the home, suggesting an emotional barrier that prevents him from engaging fully with his father’s feelings and expectations.
- How does the poem conclude? What message does it convey about father-son relationships?
Answer: The poem concludes with a sense of unresolved tension. The father acknowledges the gap between them but also expresses a willingness to forgive and reconcile. The message conveyed is that while father-son relationships can be complex and fraught with misunderstandings, there is always hope for reconciliation if both parties are willing to bridge the emotional gap.
These answers should help in understanding the poem “Father to Son” and preparing for any related questions in your exams. If you need further assistance or specific details, feel free to ask!