CBSE Class 11 · English · Hornbill / Snapshots
Father to Son
Chapter summary, hard words and model exam answers for Class 11 English.
Free online summary and notes (Class 11 English). Read it here, no PDF download needed.
About the author
Elizabeth Jennings (poem). A father grieves the silence between himself and his grown son - they live in the same house yet speak like strangers, both wishing to forgive and love but unable to bridge the gap.
Summary
I do not understand this child though we have lived together for years.
I do not understand this child though we have lived together for years.
The seed is sown but communication has failed; they speak like strangers.
The seed is sown but communication has failed; they speak like strangers.
Silence surrounds them; the child builds a world the father cannot enter.
Silence surrounds them; the child builds a world the father cannot enter.
I would have him prodigal; willing to turn to his home.
I would have him prodigal; willing to turn to his home.
Both put out an empty hand - longing to forgive and be forgiven.
Both put out an empty hand - longing to forgive and be forgiven.
Hard words & meanings
| estrangement | emotional distance |
| prodigal | wasteful wanderer |
| silence | lack of talk |
| acknowledge | accept and admit |
| generation | age group in a family |
Model exam answers, grammar & audio
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