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What is the main theme of “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes?

Updated 21 March, 2023
Answer:
The main theme of the poem "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughe is the idea that life is difficult, but one must keep persevering and moving forward despite the obstacles. The poem is written from the perspective of a mother who is talking to her son, using the metaphor of a staircase to illustrate the struggles of life. She tells him that the stairs have had "tacks and splinters in them" and "boards torn up," but she has continued to climb them. The message of the poem is that life may not be easy, but one must keep pushing through hardships and not give up.
Detailed answer:

Langston Hughes' "Mother to Son" is a powerful poem that conveys a universal message about perseverance and the resilience of the human spirit. The main theme of the poem "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughe is the idea that life is difficult, but one must keep persevering and moving forward despite the obstacles. Throughout the poem, the mother uses a metaphor to describe life as a staircase that is difficult to climb, yet she encourages her son to keep climbing despite the challenges he faces. The main theme of the poem is that life is full of hardships, but one must keep moving forward and never give up.

The mother's use of dialect and imagery is particularly effective in conveying the theme of the poem. The line "Life for me ain't been no crystal stair" is a powerful example of how the mother uses her own life experiences to show her son that he too will face challenges in life. The imagery of a broken-down staircase, with splinters and missing steps, is a vivid metaphor for the difficulties one encounters in life.

The poem is also about the strong bond between a mother and her son. The mother's advice to her son is a reflection of her love and concern for him. She wants him to have a better life than she had, and she knows that this can only be achieved through hard work and determination.

Overall, "Mother to Son" is a timeless poem that speaks to readers of all ages and backgrounds. The universal message of perseverance and determination is something that resonates with everyone, and the mother's words of wisdom continue to inspire and encourage people to keep climbing the stairs of life.

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