FATHER TO SON

POETIC DEVICES
SIMILE: For example, she compares the father's hands to "two grey birds" and the son's
hands to "burned-out cauldrons" to convey the idea of weariness and exhaustion.
PERSONIFICATION: For instance, she personifies time by saying it has "a creaking door
and a sound of feet," emphasizing its impact on human lives. This device helps to create a
sense of connection between the reader and the abstract concept being personified.
REPETITION: Repetition is used in the poem to emphasize certain ideas and create a
rhythmic effect. The phrase "Do not be afraid" is repeated multiple times throughout the
poem.
SYMBOLISM: The father's hands, which symbolize experience and wisdom, represent the
guidance and support he offers to his son. The "short afternoon" symbolizes the fleeting
nature of youth and emphasizes the importance of making the most of one's time.
ENJAMBMENT: Enjambment is used in the poem to create a sense of continuity and flow.
The lines do not end with punctuation, allowing the thoughts and ideas to spill over from one
line to the next. This technique mirrors the natural cadence of speech and enhances the
poem's conversational tone.
ALLUSION: The poem makes an allusion to the biblical story of Adam and Eve, referring to
the "dust" from which the father and son are made. The poem also has a reference of the
‘prodigal son’ story from the bible. This allusion adds a layer of depth to the poem and
suggests a universal theme of the passing of wisdom and knowledge from one generation to
the next.
In conclusion, Elizabeth Jennings employs various literary devices in "Father to Son" to
enhance the poem's meaning and create a rich and engaging reading experience. These
devices include simile, personification, repetition, symbolism, enjambment, and allusion.