Mother to Son

How could Langston Hughes (a man) write a poem

called "Mother to Son"?

• He could have been the son receiving this conversation from his mother.

• He could have overheard a mother giving her son this talk.

• An author/poet can become anyone at any time.

• All of these are possibilities.

What type of poem is "Mother to son"?

• Ballad

• Sonnet

• Free Verse

The following are related to the poem---Mother to Son EXCEPT:

• Hardships

• Responses to Hardships

• Mother's Advice

• Complains against hardships

What is the theme of the poem--- Mother to Son?

• Life is filled with joy and sorrow.

• Life is filled with heartaches and hope.

• Life is full of challenges.

• Don't give up.

Read line 2 from the poem The poet includes this metaphor most likely to:

• Suggest life is not always easy

• Help the reader imagine what crystal stairs look like

• Suggest that life can is beautiful

• Identify the speaker’s future

Who is the speaker?

• Son

• Mother

• Langston Hughes

Which lines at the figure of speech of Anaphora?

• Life for me ain't been no crystal stair

• Don't you set down

• And

Who is comparing her life; and with what it is being compared?

• Son, set down

• Mother, Crystal stair

• Poet, his mother

How does the speaker's tone change throughout the poem?

• From discouraging to positive 

• From joyful to depressing 

• From encouraging to negative 

• From optimistic to fearful

What does the quote "And reachin' landin's, and turnin' corners" show about the speaker in the poem?

• She couldn't overcome her difficulties 

• She was able to move through her obstacles 

• She was able to climb a mountain 

• She needed to keep stopping for a rest