Figurative Language
What extended metaphor is used throughout the poem?
life is compared to a suitcase
what does "crystal stair" represent?
an easy or perfect life
who is speaking in the poem?
A mother
what is the main message of the poem?
perseverance through difficult times
who wrote mother to son?
langston hughes
what figurative language is used in "Life for me ain't been no crystal stair"?
metaphor
what are "tacks"?
small sharp nails
who is she speaking to?
her son
which word best describes the mother?
A. lazy
B. determined
C. selfish
D. Afraid
B. determined
during which literary movement did Langston hughes become famous
the Harlem Renaissance
what do "tacks", "splinter", and "boards torn up" symbolize?
the hardships and obstacles in Life
what does "landin's" mean in the poem?
landings or flat places on a staircase when someone can rest
what advice does the mother give her son?
don't give up, keep climbing, and never quit
how does the mother's attitude contribute to the poem's theme?
she remains hopeful and persistent despite hardships
why is the final line ("Don't you fall now-") so powerful?
it serves as a direct warning an reinforces the mother's urgent advice
how does the staircase help readers understand the mother's message?
it shows that life has many ups and downs, but people must keep moving forward
they are unfinished, worn down, or difficult to climb
why does the mother talk about her own life?
to encourage her son by showing she has overcame hardships herself
names another theme besides perseverance
hope
resilience
determination
parental guidance
imagine the son ignores his mother's advice. what theme would change?
instead of perseverance leading to hope, the poem would suggest giving up in the face of hardship
explain why hughes chose a suitcase instead of a road as his main metaphor
a staircase requires climbing upward step by step, representing effort, perseverance, and progress despite challenges
why does hughes use dialect ("I'se been", "ain't") instead of standard english?
to make the speaker sound authentic and represent her background and voice; dialect
what can readers infer about the son's situation?
he may be discourages or thinking about giving up?
how might this poem relate to teenagers today?
students face challenges like school, family issues, friendships, or mental health and should continue moving forward despite obstacles
Throughout "Bunce Road Blues," we've talked about how life can have unexpected challenges and difficult moments. How does the mother's advice in "Mother to Son" connect to the message of Bunce Road Blues? Use evidence from the poem to support your answer.
The mother's advice connects to Bunce Road Blues because both emphasize perseverance and continuing to move forward even when life is difficult. In Mother to Son, the mother says, "Life for me ain't been no crystal stair," showing that she has faced many hardships but never stopped climbing. Similarly, Bunce Road Blues reminds us that the journey through life isn't always smooth, but challenges can make us stronger. Both works encourage people to keep going despite obstacles.