"Mother to Son" is a poem written by Langston Hughes in which a mother advises her son to persevere and keep going through life's struggles, using the metaphor of a staircase to represent the journey of life. The mother speaks from her own experience, having faced many challenges and hardships in her own life, and encourages her son to keep climbing, even when the going gets tough.
The poem begins with the mother saying, "Well, son, I'll tell you: / Life for me ain't been no crystal stair." She goes on to describe the various difficulties and obstacles she has encountered along the way, including "tacks" that have "left marks" on her feet, and "splinters" that have "cut up [her] feet." Despite these challenges, the mother has continued to climb, saying, "I'se been a-climbin' on, / And reachin' landin's, / And turnin' corners, / And sometimes goin' in the dark."
The mother's message to her son is one of resilience and determination. She tells him to keep climbing, no matter how difficult it gets, and to never give up. She advises him to "stick to the fight / When you're hardest hit" and to "never turn back." The mother's words are filled with hope and encouragement, as she tells her son that he will reach the top of the staircase, even if it takes time and effort.
The metaphor of the staircase is a powerful one, as it suggests that life is a journey, with ups and downs, twists and turns, and moments of darkness and light. The mother's message is one of perseverance and resilience, as she encourages her son to keep going, even when the going gets tough. It is a message that is timeless and universal, and one that is particularly relevant in today's world, where challenges and difficulties are a constant part of life.
In conclusion, "Mother to Son" is a beautiful and poignant poem that speaks to the human experience of overcoming challenges and struggles. It is a message of hope and encouragement, reminding us that no matter how difficult life may seem at times, we can always keep climbing and reach new heights.
Langston Hughes
Don't you fall now— For I'se still goin', honey, I'se still climbin', And life for me ain't been no crystal stair. Learn More The poet also uses other prevalent poetic styles such as metaphors. This stanza also indicates the kind of poor houses and miserable lives the African American had in the early 20th century. The poet passes the message that one must persevere to make his life better and not be discouraged by the adversities that one may have to face. These words are meant to express the trials, hardships, and tribulations the mother has faced in her life Barksdale, p. Poetry for Students, Michigan: Gale publishers, 1998. Using this style the poet places the reader in the place of the son listening to his mother who bases her advice in relation to her own life.
Mother to Son
The social, artistic, and political climates of the Renaissance have also been vividly brought about Rampersad, p. Here, the second line of the poem has been repeated where the mother says that life has not been a smooth and easy journey for her. In the poem, the mother teaches her son about strength and courage. In the last three lines, the speaker reiterates that even though life is hard, she is still going. Even though she knows how bad things can be, she is unafraid, or at least strong enough, to face them.
Mother To Son By Langston Hughes, Famous Family Poem
So, boy, don't you turn back. The author has used the crystal stair to symbolize an imaginary path that is smooth and full of ease. Using a minimum of words, the author provides his message, speaking for the mother, who tries to explain to her son that life is difficult, but the struggle can lead to success and equality. He uses symbols like tacks, splinters, no carpet on the floor and darkness to describe the difficulties that one faces in life. We spent a few days talking about the meaning and message and read each sentence separately and together. She does not give up at all and is instead still climbing and moving on in this life which has not been full of luxury and happiness.