What does Langston Hughes suggest about life's challenges in the poem mother to son, Use evidence from at least TWO lines in the poem to support your response.
In Langston Hughes' poem "Mother to Son," he suggests that life's challenges should be faced with perseverance and determination. This message is conveyed through the use of metaphors and vivid imagery.
One line that supports this idea is: "Life for me ain't been no crystal stair." This metaphorical statement implies that life has been filled with difficulties and hardships, comparing it to a broken and uneven staircase. The use of the word "ain't" further intensifies the idea of the struggles the speaker has faced. Despite all the challenges, the mother advises her son to keep going and not give up, indicating a reliance on perseverance.
Another line that supports this idea is: "Don't you set down on the steps." This metaphorical image portrays the mother urging her son not to stop moving forward. By using the phrase "set down on the steps," the poet emphasizes the importance of continuous effort, as sitting down or giving up would hinder progress. This line suggests that challenges should not be seen as obstacles to defeat, but rather as opportunities for growth and resilience.
Overall, through these lines, Hughes suggests that life's challenges should be faced head-on with determination and perseverance. The metaphorical language used in the poem reinforces the importance of pushing through difficult circumstances and never giving up.