Mother to Son by Langston Hughes

In the poem, whom is the speaker addressing and about what?

• A mother is telling a story to her child about her own childhood

• A mother is describing for her son the climb up a crystal staircase

• A son is recounting a conversation with his mother about his struggle to earn a comfortable living.

• A mother is warning her son about the difficulties of life and the struggle to persevere

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Which of the following best explains the significance of the staircase in the poem?

• The narrator describes a tiring climb up a beat-up staircase, which represents her persistence through difficulties and challenges in life

• The narrator describes a crystal staircase, which symbolizes her goals and the hard work she has done to accomplish her dreams.

• The narrator describes her climb up a dirty staircase that transforms into a crystal stair, which represents her ability to rise above difficulties.

• The narrator describes herself going down a staircase that is falling apart, which represents her fleeing a difficult life.

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PART A: Which of the following statements best describes a major theme of the poem?

• Never forget your family.

• Persevere when life isn't easy.

• Hope is the answer to all challenges.

• Respect your elders.

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PART B: Which of the following quotes best supports the answer to Part A?

• “Well, son, I’ll tell you: / Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” (Lines 1-2)

• “It’s had tacks in it, / And splinters, / And boards torn up, / And places with no carpet on the floor — / Bare.” (Lines 3-7)

• “I’se been a-climbin’ on, / And reachin’ landin’s, / And turnin’ corners” (Lines 9-11)

• “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” (Lines 14-18)

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How does the poem’s use of language and free verse contribute to the author’s purpose?

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