“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.
Reflection Questions:
1. What is this poem about?
2. Describe the point of view.
3. What is the theme?
4. What poetic devices does Hughes use in the poem? Which work best?
5. What does the mother want the son to do?
6. What does this poem have to do with Drive By? How are the two similar/different? What recurring themes are there?
7. What “tacks” and “splinters” do Tito and his family face in their lives?
Homework: Write “Tito’s Poem,” from the point of view of Tito to Mina, as a response to “Mother to Son.”
Due: Monday (Periods 1,3,5), Tuesday (Periods 2,4)
