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What impression of the father-son relationship do you get from this poem? Those Winter Sundays Sundays too my father got up early and put his clothes on in the blueblack cold, then with cracked hands that ached from labour in the weekday weather made banked fires blaze - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2008
Question 1
What impression of the father-son relationship do you get from this poem? Those Winter Sundays Sundays too my father got up early and put his clothes on in th... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What impression of the father-son relationship do you get from this poem? Those Winter Sundays Sundays too my father got up early and put his clothes on in the blueblack cold, then with cracked hands that ached from labour in the weekday weather made banked fires blaze - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2008
Step 1
What impression of the father-son relationship do you get from this poem?
Answer
The father-son relationship in "Those Winter Sundays" conveys a complex mix of sacrifice, neglect, and unspoken love. The poem paints the father as a devoted figure, who wakes up early each Sunday to prepare for his family, enduring discomfort in the process. Phrases like 'blueblack cold' and 'cracked hands that ached' depict his hard labor, suggesting that he works tirelessly for the well-being of his family.
However, there also seems to be a lack of recognition and appreciation from the son. The line 'No one ever thanked him' highlights a sense of emotional distance and unfulfilled gratitude. This dichotomy creates a poignant picture of a father and son relationship marked by unexpressed emotions and a struggle to communicate love.
Additionally, the father's indifference towards his son's feelings reflects a deeper emotional disconnect. The son fears his father's 'chronic angers,' suggesting that while the father is committed to providing for his family, he struggles to express warmth and affection. The final line, questioning the son's understanding of 'love's austere and lonely offices,' leaves us contemplating whether the father’s sacrifices were fully grasped or appreciated by the son. Overall, the poem encapsulates the struggles inherent in familial relationships, emphasizing both devotion and emotional barriers.
Step 2
Choose a phrase or line from the poem that impressed you. Explain your choice.
Answer
'What did I know, what did I know of love's austere and lonely offices?' This line stands out as it encapsulates the overarching theme of the poem—misunderstanding and the unarticulated nature of love. The repetition emphasizes the speaker's reflection and regret, suggesting a dawning realization about the father's sacrifices. It highlights the complexity of parental love, which can often go unrecognized and unappreciated. The use of 'austere' and 'lonely' underscores the emotional weight of the father's love, contrasting with the expectation of warmth and familial closeness. This line invites the reader to ponder the nature of love, particularly within familial relationships, where actions speak louder than words, yet often fall short of emotional connection.