Lesson Plan: "Father to Son" by Elizabeth Jennings

Elizabeth Jennings' poem "Father to Son" explores themes of generational conflict and the strained relationship between a father and his son. Here’s a detailed lesson plan to help guide students through an analysis of the poem:

Lesson Plan: "Father to Son" by Elizabeth Jennings

Objectives:

• Understand and analyze the themes of generational conflict and estrangement.
• Explore the use of literary devices such as metaphor, imagery, and tone.
• Develop skills in critical thinking and interpretation through discussion and writing.

Materials Needed:

• Copies of the poem "Father to Son" by Elizabeth Jennings.
• Whiteboard and markers.
• Notebooks or paper for student responses.
• Projector (optional for displaying text or notes).

Introduction (10 minutes):

1. Warm-Up Discussion:

   • Ask students if they’ve ever experienced or observed a conflict between different generations (e.g., between parents and children). What were the issues and how were they resolved?
   • Introduce the poem as an exploration of such a conflict.

2. Contextual Background:

   • Briefly discuss Elizabeth Jennings and her focus on personal and emotional themes in her poetry.
   • Explain that the poem deals with a father-son relationship and generational disconnect.

Reading the Poem (15 minutes):

1. First Reading:
   • Read the poem aloud to the class. Encourage students to listen for the overall tone and emotions conveyed.
2. Second Reading:
   • Distribute copies of the poem. Read through it again, this time asking students to underline or highlight lines or phrases that stand out to them.

Analysis and Discussion (20 minutes):

1. Thematic Exploration:

   • Discuss the central themes of the poem. What does the father feel about his son? How does the son feel about the father?
   • Explore the idea of generational conflict. How is it represented in the poem?

2. Literary Devices:

   • Metaphor and Imagery: Identify metaphors and imagery in the poem. For example, how does Jennings use imagery to convey the father’s sense of disconnection?
   • Tone: Analyze the tone of the poem. How does the tone shift throughout? What words or phrases contribute to this tone?
   • Structure: Discuss the structure of the poem. How does its form contribute to its meaning?

3. Character Analysis:

   • Analyze the portrayal of the father and the son. What are their perspectives and feelings? How does the poem illustrate their relationship?

Activity: Writing Response (15 minutes):

1. Personal Reflection:

   • Ask students to write a short response reflecting on their own experiences or observations of generational conflict. How does this poem relate to their experiences?

2. Creative Exercise:

   • Have students write a brief letter from the perspective of the father or the son, addressing the issues raised in the poem.

Conclusion and Homework (10 minutes):

1. Recap and Questions:

   • Summarize the main points discussed. Open the floor for any final questions or reflections about the poem.

2. Homework Assignment:

   • Assign students to write a critical analysis of the poem, focusing on one of the following aspects: thematic exploration, use of literary devices, or character analysis.
   • Alternatively, students could research another poem or piece of literature that deals with similar themes and compare it with "Father to Son."

Extension Activities (Optional):

• Group Presentation: Have students work in groups to create a presentation on a related topic, such as generational conflicts in literature or historical context.
• Creative Project: Encourage students to create a visual representation of the poem’s themes, such as a drawing or digital artwork.

This lesson plan should help students delve deeply into the poem, fostering a comprehensive understanding of its themes and literary qualities.