Father to Son Extract Questions | English Class 11

Extract Questions

Passage with linked answers

Extract

Extract 1

Reading Set

Extract 1

Passage

I do not understand this child Though we have lived together now In the same house for years. I know Nothing of him, so try to build Up a relationship from how He was when small.

The father admits that despite living together for years, he knows _______ of his son.

nothing

The father tries to rebuild the relationship based on memories of when the son was _______.

small

What does the father's admission of knowing 'nothing' tell us about their current life?

ByteNotes

Extract Questions

Passage with linked answers

Extract

Extract 2

Reading Set

Extract 2

Passage

We speak like strangers, there's no sign Of understanding in the air. This child is built to my design Yet what he loves I cannot share.

The father and son speak to each other like _______.

strangers

The father mentions that the child is built to his _______.

design

What is meant by 'no sign of understanding in the air'?

This phrase suggests that there is a complete lack of empathy or shared perspective between the two. Their communication lacks the intuitive connection that usually exists in close families. It creates an atmosphere of coldness and total alienation despite their biological connection.

How can the child be 'built to my design' and yet remain a stranger?

The son may physically resemble the father or have similar inherited traits, which is the 'design.' However, the father cannot share the son’s interests or values. This highlights that identity is shaped by more than just genetics; personal choices create the distance.

What does the father mean by saying he cannot 'share' what the son loves?

It means the father is unable to appreciate or participate in the son’s modern interests, hobbies, or worldview. This gap in shared interests is a major reason for their estrangement, as they have no common ground to talk about or enjoy together.

ByteNotes

Extract Questions

Passage with linked answers

Extract

Extract 3

Reading Set

Extract 3

Passage

Silence surrounds us. I would have Him prodigal, returning to His father's house, the home he knew, Rather than see him make and move His world. I would forgive him too,

The environment between the father and son is described by the word _______.

silence

The father is willing to _______ his son if he returns home.

forgive

Why does the father mention 'silence' surrounding them?

Silence represents the wall of non-communication that has grown between them. It is not a peaceful silence but a heavy, uncomfortable one that marks their inability to reach out. It emphasizes that their relationship has reached a point where words have failed.

What does the phrase 'make and move his world' suggest about the son?

It suggests the son is independent and is successfully building a life for himself away from his father's influence. He has his own ambitions and social circle. This independence, while a sign of growth, is viewed by the father as a source of separation.

What is the father's ultimate desire in this extract?

The father's ultimate desire is reconciliation. He is willing to forgive any past mistakes if it means the son returns to the 'home he knew.' He values the restoration of their relationship above the son's independent success or the reasons for their initial conflict.

ByteNotes

Extract Questions

Passage with linked answers

Extract

Extract 4

Reading Set

Extract 4

Passage

He speaks: I cannot understand Myself, why anger grows from grief. We each put out an empty hand, Longing for something to forgive.

The son admits that his anger grows from _______.

grief

Both the father and son are _______ for something to forgive.

longing

How does the son explain his own behavior in this extract?

The son explains that he is confused by his own emotions. He realizes that his outward anger is actually a defense mechanism for his internal sadness. This shows he is not indifferent to the situation but is struggling to process his own feelings.

What does 'putting out an empty hand' symbolize?

It symbolizes a futile attempt at reconciliation. Both parties want to reach out and connect, but they find nothing to hold onto—no common ground or shared understanding. Their hands remain 'empty' because the emotional gap between them is too wide to cross.

What is the significance of 'longing for something to forgive'?

It suggests that both characters are looking for an excuse to end the conflict. They want a reason to move past the pain and reconcile. It shows that despite the distance, the underlying desire for love and peace remains strong in both hearts.

ByteNotes

Chapter sections

Chapter father-to-son: Father to Son | Extract Questions

Extract 1

The father admits that despite living together for years, he knows _______ of his son.

The father tries to rebuild the relationship based on memories of when the son was _______.

What does the father's admission of knowing 'nothing' tell us about their current life?

Why does the father try to build a relationship from how the son was when small?

What is the significance of the 'same house' in this extract?

Extract 2

The father and son speak to each other like _______.

The father mentions that the child is built to his _______.

What is meant by 'no sign of understanding in the air'?

How can the child be 'built to my design' and yet remain a stranger?

What does the father mean by saying he cannot 'share' what the son loves?

Extract 3

The environment between the father and son is described by the word _______.

The father is willing to _______ his son if he returns home.

Why does the father mention 'silence' surrounding them?

What does the phrase 'make and move his world' suggest about the son?

What is the father's ultimate desire in this extract?

Extract 4

The son admits that his anger grows from _______.

Both the father and son are _______ for something to forgive.

How does the son explain his own behavior in this extract?

What does 'putting out an empty hand' symbolize?

What is the significance of 'longing for something to forgive'?