Mother to Son by Langston Hughes: Harlem Renaissance

What was the significance of the poem?

• Inspired countless others to persevere through taking up arms

• Convinced others to overcome difficulties through determination

• Inspired a detailed reassessment of American society

• Details a hope for a better future and the overwhelming successes of this world

What do the two type of staircases mean in the context of the poem?

• They represent the type of material used in stair construction.

• One represents the steps people need to take to add prosperity to their life.

• They represent the two different paths in life people can take.

• One represents pure suffering and the other represents heaven.

How old was Hughes when he wrote the poem? Why does this matter?

• 49; It shows the amount of experience he has been able to give.

• 49; it shows his stamina throughout dealing with life and religion.

• 21; It captures the advice he most likely got through dealing with the turmoil in his life up to this point.

• 21; It shows how sad his life had come to the point where he had to give himself advice.

What are two possible reasons for the short sentences and line structure in the poem?

• It was prominent in his poems.

• It was described throughout his work.

• Shows how effective translating forward is.

• Emphasizes the importance of moving on.

What is the point of view of the poem?

• A mother who wants people to see how different life is for the fortunate and not-fortunate.

• A mother's outlet for describing what life has been like for her up until this point.

• A mother who has experienced several hardships throughout her life.

• A mother who wishes she could have had an easier route throughout life.

What was mentioned about the number of times the phrase "crystal stair" appeared in the poem?

• It indicated how you should worry about others in your ascension to live a better life.

• It indicated how you should only worry about yourself and not those more fortunate than you.

• It indicated how a "crystal stair" is more of an afterthought when you are going through life.

• It showed that easy things do not come easily.

What was a potential theme Hughes may have included in the poem?

• Segregation

• Impartiality

• Objectiveness

• Difficulty and Power

What were the types of imagery Hughes used in the poem?

• Visual

• Olfactory

• Tactile

• Auditory

Which highly influential figure recited "Mother to Son" at a convention?

• John F. Kennedy

• Nelson Mandela

• Malcolm X

• Martin Luther King Jr

What can be said about the time period when this poem was written?

• People of color were being marginalized in the poltiical, economic, and social realms.

• People of color could still have influence in the artistic realm.

• People of color were being upheaved in the poltiical, economic, and social realms.

• People not of color had no problems in their lives whatsoever.