Father to Son: Analysis
Introduction: "Father to Son" is a deeply emotional poem by Elizabeth Jennings that explores the strained relationship between a father and his son . The father expresses his sorrow and frustration over their growing distance, despite living under the same roof. The poem highlights themes of generation gap, lack of communication, regret, and longing for reconciliation. Summary & Explanation The father begins by expressing his inability to understand his own son, despite having raised him: "I do not understand this child" This line shows the father’s confusion and pain as he feels like his son has become a stranger. He laments that, although they have lived together for years, they have drifted apart: "Though we have lived together now / In the same house for years." He then reflects on how he had certain expectations for his son’s future, but his child has grown into a different person, forming his own identity: "Yet have I killed / The seed I spe...