Langston Hughes (1902-1967) was an American poet, novelist, and playwright. He was also one of the leaders of
the Harlem Renaissance, the cultural, social, and artistic movement of Black artists in New York City between the
end of World War I and the mid-1930s. Purpose for Reading: To understand how the speaker uses a metaphor
to convey a message to her son about failure and success. In this lesson, you’ll practice analyzing an author’s
use of figurative language. This means paying attention to similes and metaphors. As you read, take notes on
the metaphor and the message it reveals about dealing with challenges.
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 this poem, the speaker, who is a mother, uses a metaphor to convey a message to her son about failure and success. She compares life to a "crystal stair" and describes the challenges and obstacles she has faced along the way. The metaphor of the "crystal stair" implies a smooth and easy path, but the speaker counters this by explaining the reality of her own experiences. She mentions tacks, splinters, torn-up boards, and bare floors to illustrate the difficulties she has encountered.
The message revealed by this metaphor is that life is not easy, and success is not achieved without facing challenges and hardships. The speaker encourages her son not to give up or be discouraged by the difficulties he may encounter. She emphasizes that she herself has faced numerous obstacles but has continued to persist and overcome them, using powerful language like "a-climbin'," "reachin' landin's," and "turnin' corners" to depict her determination and resilience.
By using this metaphor, the speaker not only conveys a message of perseverance, but also acknowledges the realities of the world they live in. The Harlem Renaissance was a time of racial discrimination and inequality, and the metaphor of the "crystal stair" contrasts with the harsh realities that black artists like Langston Hughes faced during that time. It serves as a reminder to the son that he should not expect an easy path, but should continue to strive for success despite the challenges he may face.
Read the poem "Mother to Son". Determine the theme. Can the theme be applied more generally to life?
The theme of the poem "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes is perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. The mother in the poem encourages her son to keep going and not give up, despite the difficulties and challenges they have faced. She uses the metaphor of a "crystal stair" to describe life, highlighting its unexpected hurdles, tacks, splinters, and torn-up boards. Despite these obstacles, the mother emphasizes that she has continued climbing, reaching landings, and turning corners.
This theme of perseverance can be applied more generally to life. It is a universal message that resonates with people facing hardships and challenges in various aspects of their lives. From personal struggles to social injustices, the poem encourages individuals to keep moving forward, to not let setbacks define them or deter them from their goals. It conveys the idea that success and progress are rarely straightforward or easy, but can be achieved through determination and perseverance. The theme of resilience in the face of adversity appeals to a wide range of readers, as it offers hope and encouragement to anyone navigating the complexities of life.