Summary of For elkana

Answer 1

The comfortable and loving relationship in the family between husband and wife, parents and child is poignantly brought out in a regular conversation in a regular setting, in this poem.

The author and his family, tempted by the warm April evening, decide to drag their chairs outside and plant them on the uneven stone steps. There, they sit sprawled in their chairs, in silence till the wife breaks this silence by commenting on a broken window pane. She suggests a thing or two to her husband, assuming that he doesn't know what he is supposed to do. She might even be aware of the fact that he knows, but its just the comfort of replaying a familiar conversation they have had many times over the years, which prompts her to tell him these things. The husband doesn't want to contradict her and understands the futility of arguing. He decides to maintain peace by humorously accepting that she is always right! They both accept each others faults and put up with each other because the bond they share is much deeper than whats seen on the surface. Even though she might nag him and he might ignore her at times and though they disagree on many accounts, they both love each other immensely.

The son, who is playing about in the garden, hears his mother's voice travelling up and down the lawn and for some reason this reminds him that he needs his dinner. He goes up to his parents, and demands his dinner with "masterly determination". At this point, both the author and his wife, in unusual rapport, state one unspoken thought- their son must be disciplined. The wife expects her husband to discipline the boy but he looks away. Before her boy could repeat himself, she raises her finger and tells him firmly that he will have to wait another 5 minutes. When he doesn't listen, she tries pacifying him but to no avail. The young boy's logic is that he won't be hungry in 5 minutes. This argument appeals to the father and reminds him of himself. The father feels that such a logician deserves his dinner straightaway. Even the mother is amused by her son and laughs in delight! Both parents end up indulging their son. Her wonderful laughter holds the family together and all 3 of them rise to go back into the house.

Answer 2

"For Elkana" is a novel by Israeli author Savyon Liebrecht. It tells the story of a woman named Sima and her struggles with motherhood, loss, and identity. The novel explores themes of love, family, and the complexities of human relationships.