Can someone help me find rhetorical devices used in this poem, "mother to son" by langston hughes. I know one is that the crystal stair is a metaphor but are there any others?
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.
in my opinion the whole poem is a metaphor, refering to the fact that life is not always going to be perfect
Lily is just exactly correct. The entire poem is a metaphor for life.
"Reaching landings, turning corners" Both are metaphors for various phases of living.
does this mean the poem is an allegory?
To identify rhetorical devices used in a poem, it is important to look for language techniques that enhance the meaning and impact of the text. In the poem "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes, there are several rhetorical devices present, aside from the metaphor of the crystal stair. Here are a few examples:
1. Repetition: This rhetorical device is observed through the repetition of certain words or phrases that create emphasis and reinforce ideas. In this poem, the repetition of "And" at the beginning of multiple lines creates a cumulative effect, emphasizing the numerous challenges faced by the mother.
2. Imagery: Imagery is used to create vivid pictures in the reader's mind. In this poem, vivid imagery is employed through the description of the mother's hardships, such as "tacks," "splinters," "boards torn up," "carpetless floors," and "darkness with no light." These images aid in conveying the struggles she has encountered.
3. Parallelism: The repetition of phrases or sentence structures creates parallels and rhythm in the poem. For instance, the repeated phrase "And" followed by a verb ("And reachin' landin's, And turnin' corners") creates a pattern, contributing to the poem's cadence and emphasizing the mother's persistence.
4. Direct address: The mother's speech is directly addressed to her son, which adds an intimate and personal tone to the poem. By using "son" and "honey," the mother establishes a connection and affectionate tone as she encourages her child not to give up.
Remember, when analyzing a poem for rhetorical devices, it is crucial to consider the impact of these devices on the overall meaning and emotions evoked in the reader.