Question

Mother to Son By Langston Hughes Well, son, I’ll tell you: Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair. It’s had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up, And places with no carpet on the floor— Bare. But all the time I’se been a-climbin’ on, And reachin’ landin’s, And turnin’ corners, And sometimes goin’ in the dark Where there ain’t been no light. So boy, don’t you turn back. Don’t you set down on the steps ’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard. 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. Dreams BY LANGSTON HUGHES Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow. Please answer the following questions about the two Langston Hughes poems above.

Between the two poems find at least two metaphors, write the lines down and what you think the metaphors mean.

What do you think is the main message of Mother to Son?

What do you think the main message of Dreams is?

Find one line in Mother to Son that you think is powerful and explain why. (include the line)

Find one line in Dreams you think is powerful and explain why ( include the line).

Write down how you can relate to one of the poems and explain your thoughts.

Answer 1

Langston Hughes' poems feature metaphorical language that emphasizes the themes of perseverance in 'Mother to Son' and the importance of dreams in 'Dreams'.

Step-by-step explanation:

The two poems by Langston Hughes, Mother to Son and Dreams, contain at least two metaphors. In Mother to Son, the line "Life for me ain't been no crystal stair" serves as a metaphor for a life that is not easy or luxurious -- the crystal stair represents an ideal, easy life, as opposed to the speaker's reality filled with hardships.

Another metaphor from Dreams is found in the lines "Life is a broken-winged bird / That cannot fly", equating a life without dreams to a bird that cannot fulfill its natural role.

The main message of Mother to Son is one of perseverance and resilience. Despite the difficulties the mother has encountered, such as the tacks, splinters, and torn-up boards, she encourages her son to continue climbing, conveying a sense of unyielding struggle and hope.

The main message of Dreams, on the other hand, is the importance of holding onto one's dreams. The poem suggests that without dreams, life lacks meaning and becomes desolate.

A powerful line from Mother to Son is "Life for me ain't been no crystal stair". This line underscores the harsh realities of the speaker's life, and it conveys the struggles that many in the African-American community face. It's also a strong beginning and end statement that frames the poem, emphasizing the theme of perseverance.

A powerful line from Dreams is "Life is a barren field / Frozen with snow". This line effectively creates a stark image of desolation and stagnation, reinforcing the necessity of dreams for a vibrant, fulfilling life.

Relating to Mother to Son, one might empathize with the struggle of overcoming obstacles to progress in life, as many people have faced adversity in some form. The determined spirit encapsulated in the poem can resonate with anyone who has had to persist through challenges.