ABSTRACT
In order to talk about fathers and grandfathers, it is necessary first of all to distinguish between the mythology of grandparenthood and its reality. The myth is of a benign, mellow, generous old man or woman hovering in the background, waiting to be called on whenever needed. Indeed, the stereotype is so prevalent that many grandparents feel obliged to adopt this role even though it is totally foreign to their nature. Actually, a grandfather can be in the prime of life, vigorous, active, productive, still an object for his son to reckon with.
