Final answer:
Langston Hughes's poem "Mother to Son" addresses the struggles and resilience of African Americans, encouraging them to persevere despite facing hardships like segregation, thereby reflecting the social issues of the 1920s and the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The poem "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes can be seen as representing a response to the social issues of the 1920s, particularly relating to the experiences of African Americans. The correct choice in the context of the poem's meaning would be (3) "It encourages African Americans to continue moving forward despite facing hardships, such as segregation."
Hughes's work often reflected the Harlem Renaissance, a period when African American writers and artists celebrated their cultural identity and addressed the social issues of the times. His poetry, including "Mother to Son," encapsulates the struggles and the resilience of African Americans.
The poem uses the metaphor of a staircase to symbolize the mother's difficult life journey, marked by no 'crystal stair' but rather one with 'tacks in it,' 'splinters,' 'boards torn up,' and 'places with no carpet on the floor,' indicating the hardships and discrimination faced. However, the prevailing message is one of perseverance and determination to 'keep climbin' on.' This resonates with the broader struggle for civil rights and social justice for African Americans.
Through a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally understood among African Americans, Hughes's "Mother to Son" complements his broader oeuvre, which communicated the dignity of African American life and culture and often assailed the injustice of racism.