Question

Describe the structure of the poem?

Well, son, I’ll tell you:
Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair. metaphor
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, metaphor
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.

Answer 1

The poem has a free verse structure with no specific rhyme scheme or meter. It consists of five stanzas, with the first and last stanzas ending with the same line: "Life for me ain't been no crystal stair." The first line of the poem is repeated in the fifth stanza, creating a circular structure. The poem employs metaphors to describe the challenges and obstacles in the speaker's life, comparing it to a staircase with tacks, splinters, torn boards, and no carpet. The speaker uses language and imagery to encourage the listener to keep moving forward and not give up, even when the path ahead seems difficult or uncertain.

Answer 2

The structure of the poem is relatively simple and follows a free verse form, without a set rhyme scheme or meter. It consists of three stanzas, with the first and last stanzas being identical and framing the message of the poem. The repetition of the first and last stanzas reinforces the message of perseverance and the determination to keep moving forward despite the challenges faced in life.

The second stanza describes the difficulties the speaker has faced in life, using vivid imagery to paint a picture of a stairway filled with tacks, splinters, torn boards, and missing carpet. The metaphor of the "crystal stair" in the first line is also repeated in the last line, emphasizing the idea that life is not easy or perfect.

The third stanza encourages the reader to keep going, not to give up or become discouraged by the challenges they face, and to keep climbing despite the difficulties. The use of the word "honey" at the end of the stanza adds a personal and affectionate tone, reinforcing the idea that the speaker cares for and supports the reader.

Overall, the simple structure of the poem allows the powerful message of perseverance to shine through, and the vivid imagery and metaphors used throughout the poem create a strong emotional impact on the reader.