How does Elizabeth Jennings present the theme of separation in ‘Father to Son’

It is interesting that Elizabeth Jennings has chosen a Father and his Son in this poem rather than a relationship that she is more likely to have had experience with. A Father and his son however, traditionally have a very strong bond built on shared interests with the son generally making his father his role model. The effects and feelings of separation that Jennings wants to convey in this poem are therefore enhanced in that she is dealing with one of the strongest emotional bonds that exists. The family relationship has become a despairing situation and it is only the fact that they are father and son that means there is any connection, let alone relationship between them.
The title, ‘Father to Son,’ as opposed to Father and Son is significant and immediately indicates estrangement and detachment. The phrase implies a one sided conversation with the father in the dominant role and the son passive and silent. The reference in the opening line to the son as, “this child,â€...