LIFE JOURNEY & STRUGGLES
Who is describing her difficult life in the poem?
The mother
What character trait does the mother show by continuing to climb despite difficulties?
Perseverance.
What is the mother’s main advice to her son?
Keep going and do not give up.
What does the staircase symbolize?
Life’s journey.
What does the poem teach about facing difficult times?
Do not give up; keep moving forward.
What does the mother mean when she says, “Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair”?
Her life has not been easy or comfortable.
What does the mother’s advice to her son reveal about her relationship with him?
She is caring and encouraging.
Name the THREE things the mother tells her son NOT to do.
+200 points Bonus
Turn back, sit down, and fall.
What does the “crystal stair” represent?
An easy, comfortable, or ideal life.
How can someone’s difficult experiences help them support another person?
They can understand the person’s struggles and offer advice or encouragement.
Quote the line that tells us the mother’s life has been difficult.
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“Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.”
Complete the quote: “So boy, don’t you ______.”
turn back.
What does “Don’t you sit down on the steps” mean beyond the literal meaning?
Do not give up when life becomes difficult.
What figure of speech is used in “Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair”?
Metaphor.
If the mother had given up, how would that change the message of the poem?
The message about perseverance would be much weaker.
Why does the mother mention “goin’ in the dark / Where there ain’t been no light”? and what does it say about her character?
She has faced uncertain and difficult times but continued moving forward.
How does “I’se still goin’, honey” reveal the mother’s character?
She is determined and refuses to give up.
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Why does the mother tell her son “Don’t you fall now”?
She wants him to remain strong and continue despite difficulties.
What does “turning corners” symbolize?
Changes and challenges in life.
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Why does the mother repeat “I’se still”?
To emphasize that she continues despite hardship.
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The mother describes many damaged parts of the staircase. What larger idea does this extended description communicate about her life?
Her life has been filled with repeated hardships and obstacles, yet she has continued.
The mother has experienced hardship herself. How does this make her advice to her son more meaningful?
Her advice comes from personal experience; she has faced difficulties and learned to keep going.
How does the repeated statement “I’se still climbin’” strengthen the poem’s message?
It emphasizes perseverance and shows that she practices the advice she gives her son.
Why is the staircase metaphor an extended metaphor?
The comparison between life and a staircase continues throughout much of the poem.
“I’se still goin’, honey, / I’se still climbin’.” What is the significance of this repetition?
It emphasizes her determination and reinforces the message of perseverance.