imagery in mother to son

The son’s mother encourages him not to give up to the temptation to back down. Like Jacob's ladder in the Bible, upon which Jacob saw a stairway traversed by angels leading up to heaven, the stairs are a spiritual reference. Her advice is to carry on, to keep climbing the... Dereliction. The mother seems to tell of these times of relief to encourage her son that there are parts in life’s hard climb that display flashes of hope and triumph. ”Mother to Son” Figurative Language "Life for me ain't been no crystal stair" Life has been difficult for the speaker. She has had to struggle and work hard to survive and improve her circumstances. The mother informs her son that life has not always been easy for her, yet she is still carrying on. He connects that with how the mother has yet to back down. Structure: The poem is a monologue by a mother. Today’s class begins by rereading “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes, which we read and analyzed the previous day.For homework, students answered the questions and so we review their responses. A Closer Look at "Mother to Son" by Jody Pittock, cathy a. feldman This module has been written with the intent of implementation mid school year. And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair. "I'se been a-climbin' on, / And reachin' landin's, / And turnin' corners," the mother says, conjuring the image of a climb through all of life's hardships. She is indeed the epitome of the African proverb or specifically the Akan proverb that says:” The death of a mother marks the end of one’s family”. This quote is the true meaning of what me to be determined and persevere life. It’s had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up, And places with no carpet on the floor— Bare. At only twenty years of age, Hughes wrote the poem "Mother to Son”. In the didactic poem “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes, the author uses symbols and imagery from what the mother says to give advice to her son. The poet's "mother," who speaks in the voice of the African- American teaches him he need not abandon that tradition in order to write poetry. Choose any combination of scenes, characters, items, and text to represent each letter of TWIST. Click "Start Assignment". Deepen the students’ ability to analyze meanings of metaphors in poetry. The mother warns him in the seventeenth line not toe ‘fall now’ because she has already gotten them to the point they’re at now, and is ‘sill climbin’. Her work includes articles on gardening, education and literature. The image of a staircase begins and ends Mother to Son. Hughes image of the difficult, upward journey toward a better life is advice meant for everyone in times of struggle. The final and last line shows us the mother repeating her desist concerning the spiritual, moral, and political need to bear the hardship and keep ascending. In lines 14 -17, she is determined to let her son know…. The mother also tells the son: “For I’se still goin’, honey,” (18). The “fall” in this case could resemble one, their fall spiritually, and two, the bureaucratic impediment for all African Americans. The tacks and splinters may be thought of as figurative perils one could find on a real stairway in a broken, rundown building. 2. The imagery of darkness conveys the idea of being without hope. The two first lines of this poem set up what the title indicates: this poem is a touching speech spoken by a mother to her son. But all the time… The mother uses the "crystal stairs" to point out that there is hardship’s in life. In this lesson, we will examine Richard Wright's use of imagery in ''Native Son'' as he tells the story of how racism and poverty can lead to criminal behavior. “Mother to Son” also reappeared in Hughes’s first collection of poems called The Weary Blue in 1926. She tells her son, Dont you set down on the steps. The image of a staircase begins and ends "Mother to Son." Things such as reduced favorable circumstances and poverty. With this poem, Hughes adds details that allure to the reader’s touch, hearing, and eyes. She says of the staircase, "It's had tacks in it, / And splinters, / And boards torn up, / And places with no carpet on the floor— / Bare." Info: 1259 words (5 pages) Essay The analogy of the crystal stair can symbolize a few different things. Symbolic Imagery in Langston Hughes' Poems, The Negro Speaks of Rivers and Mother To Son Langston Hughes uses symbolism throughout his poetry. The mother tells her son that life will not always be a smooth ride but in spite of all the hardships and miseries, one must learn to move forward. In this dexterous use of fictional devices such as uncommon language, symbolism, images, repetition, in addition to the wise use of format, the author achieves to bring together the image of a mother lovingly, wisely talking to her son about life. Some depict the tacks and splinters as danger to this mother’s body and soul. In this poem, the author represents the personal, collective, and spiritual importance of struggle, endurance, and faith. What is the imagery in Mother to Son? He spent his career serving as a merchant seaman and working in a Paris nightclub where he showed some of his poems to Dr. Alan Locke, a strong supporter of African American Literature. The mother in the poem says that while climbing the stairs over the course of her life she was "sometimes goin' in the dark / Where there ain't been no light." Using the analogy of a crystal stairway, this mother explains to her son that the journey of her life, and life overall, is like a stair that is deceased, and broken, containing small cracks, splinters, and torn up boards, rather a smooth, good looking “crystal stair.” The crystal stair is used as a metaphor for the American’s dreams, and the dreams promise of liberty and fairness. VAT Registration No: 842417633. The two strongest poetry elements within Langston Hughes poem "Mother to Son" is symbols and imagery. The extended metaphor in "Mother to Son" is the mother's life described as a staircase. What Is the Meaning of the Staircase Used in the Poem "Mother to Son"? Registered office: Venture House, Cross Street, Arnold, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG5 7PJ. This shows how during the These symbols, the tacks, the splinters, the bad carpet, and the ripped-up boards can all resemble erosion and desuetude. In these last lines, mom’s advice twists once more. Perform a TWIST analysis of a selection from "Mother to Son". Hughes' image of the difficult, upward journey toward a better life is advice meant for everyone in times of struggle. Well, son, I’ll tell you: Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair. Popularity of “Mother to Son”: Langston Hughes, a famous American poet and columnist, wrote the poem “Mother to Son” as a famous dramatic monologue.It was first published in the magazine Crisis in 1922. Be sure that everyone is aware that this poem offers a clear example of the use of metaphor in its comparison of life and a staircase. In the first seven lines, we see the troubles the son can encounter. The author’s choice of using the metaphor of climbing, nonetheless, conveys that her persistence is essential to the advancement regarding ethnic fairness and to maintain hope. The poem is about a mother giving advice to her son … “Mother to Son by Langston Hughes.” Poetry Foundation, Poetry Foundation,     www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47559/mother-to-son. Do you have a 2:1 degree or higher? The reference also alludes to the idea of suffering as a requirement to reach that crystal stair and, thus, heaven. From simple essay plans, through to full dissertations, you can guarantee we have a service perfectly matched to your needs. She begins by telling the son that life is not a crystal stair, that it has tacks and splinters, and all the boards are torn up and it doesn’t even have carpet in some places. “Mother to Son” is a poem written from the point of view of a mother talking to her son. The Symbolism and Imagery in 'London' by William Blake, Themes for the Short Story "The Ring" by Isak Dinesen, Symbolism in the Short Story "Bad Neighbors", Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images. He was born in Joplin, Mississippi. He lived in Mexico for a period of time during his youth and spent a year at Columbia University. Mutually, if a bunch of sons back down, the whole contest for equality will most likely fail. The “goin’ in the dark” may symbolize the mother’s constant struggles in spite of her own abating faith. The phrase “crystal stair” in line two of the poem implies the privilege and influence enjoyed by the white community. The turns and landings in the mother’s ascend might resemble short achievements and success from spiritual, or personal, and maybe racial struggles. These lines evoke the image of the tenement houses where poor and disadvantaged African Americans were forced to live in the northern cities, particularly after the Civil War when many left the South. ‘Mother to Son’ by Langston Hughes was first published in December of 1922 in the magazine, Crisis.It was also included in Hughes’ collection, The Weary Blues, published four years later.This piece is one of his most popular and relatable. But all the time I’se been a-climbin’ on, And reachin’ landin’s, And turnin’ corners, And sometimes goin’ in the dark She tells her son, "Don't you set down on the steps. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of UKEssays.com. The author puts in these realistic points to make the image real and symbolic at the same time. Finish up by explaining why she is so insistent in lines 17-20) In the didactic poem “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes, the author uses symbols and imagery from what the mother says to give advice to her son. The imagery of stairs that lead heavenward are evoked in the line "Life for me ain't been no crystal stair." In the poems 'The Negro Speaks of Rivers' and 'Mother To Son', Langston Hughes uses symbolism to convey his meaning of the poems to the readers. A metaphor is a literary device that compares one element to something else. Mother to Son. The mother tells the son “Don 't you set down on the steps/ Cause you finds its kinder hard”(11-12). The mother tells her son that the climb up the stairs won’t be easy, and that the reward won’t be authentic. Study for free with our range of university lectures! In each imaginable perception, the crystal stair implies smoothness and an easy way, elegance, wealth, and a well-lit path toward a rich haven. “Mother to Son” written by Langston Hughes, is a moving soliloquy, spoken by a character who resembles an African American mother, to her son. “ain’t” is a colloquial form of language and its use by the mother indicates that she is uneducated. Imagery is language that appeals to the senses. One of them could be the ambitions and desires that the mother had at one point grasped, but which she has learned to let go. The torn boards could be meant to show a person’s effort to break apart the stairway completely. Start studying Figurative Language - Mother to Son. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Metaphors connect things that readers already know to a new element or way of seeing the world. No plagiarism, guaranteed! Explain the imagery in detail. "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes is a monologue that conveys the idea of hope through simple imagery. "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. (select words/phrases that express what the mother demands of her son. She encourages her son to face life’s challenges head-on and tries to inculcate strength and courage in him. All work is written to order. Mother To Son By Langston Hughes Analysis. Copyright © 2003 - 2021 - UKEssays is a trading name of All Answers Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales. Published: 23rd Sep 2019 in / 'Cause you finds it's kinder hard." The mother is the point around whom everything about the family revolves. The splinters and tacks from the first few lines of the poem arouse the reader’s feeling of contact and hazard; and the dim and unlit place from lines twelve and thirteen makes the reader participate and feel the mother’s flounder towards and invisible goal. Palpably, these things serve as little, annoying pains that could perforate and infect the mother as she ascends these stairs. It also evokes a time of uncertainty when the mother was not sure whether she was headed in the right direction -- or what she might have encountered when she reached her destination. Readers of all backgrounds can come to this poem and feel themselves either in the shoes of the child or the mother, or perhaps both. The mother gives advice to her son by using her own challenges in life. In conclusion, Hughes' through this moving poem "Mother to Son" empowers the son and the reader with valuable words of wisdom. Figurative language in "Mother to son" and The Harlem Renaissance. In "Mother to Son" what is the extended metaphor? Her advice is to carry on, to keep climbing the stairs despite the desire to give up. Because she has felt desperation and withstood it, she understands that persevering is the better choice, and it pays off in the end. "It's had tacks in it/ and splinters" The mother again is a teacher; she trains her children even to the point of career choice. Hughes uses the diction in the poem of emphasizing the importance of appreciating life no matter what happens when you trying to get somewhere in …show more content… After stating some of the obstacles and hazards the son might stumble into, the mother explains the prize of continuity and faith in one’s goal. In lines eight to thirteen, she describes that, in spite of the hardships she went through, she had persisted to advance. She tells her son, "Don't you set down on the steps. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Education. The mother states that she has been climbing up the stairs and turning corners and how sometimes it goes dark but do not turn back. Summary of Mother to Son. “Mother to Son” written by Langston Hughes, is a moving soliloquy, spoken by a character who resembles an African American mother, to her son. Literature, The Meaning and Imagery/Symbolism in “Mother to Son”. We've received widespread press coverage since 2003, Your UKEssays purchase is secure and we're rated 4.4/5 on reviews.co.uk. The repeated words could have also been used to make the speech sound more realistic. We can see that there have already been many people who have dragged themselves on this trip, and many more will still do it after the mother. To export a reference to this article please select a referencing stye below: If you are the original writer of this essay and no longer wish to have your work published on UKEssays.com then please: Our academic writing and marking services can help you! It could also symbolize the impaired state of African Americans in America. She uses imagery to advise her son to do likewise. Hughes uses symbols in the poem "Mother to Son". Her advice is to carry on, to keep climbing the stairs despite the desire to give up. Disclaimer: This is an example of a student written essay.Click here for sample essays written by our professional writers. Retrieved from: www.poetryfoundation.org "Mother to Son" By Langston Hughes Well, son, I’ll tell you: Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair. Allegorically though, these little threats symbolize possible harm to the “black American soul.” The way the mother understands and avoids these obstacles portrays her wise mediation of life’s obstacles. Hughes, Langston. POET INTRODUCTION: Langston Hughes (1902-67) was an African American poet. Asked by Darlene P #705793 on 10/23/2017 12:39 PM Last updated by jill d #170087 on 10/23/2017 2:40 PM They embody the idea of leaving troubles and tragedies behind. Mother to Mother study guide contains a biography of Sindiwe Magona, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Like the tacks and splinters we read about from earlier lines, the figure of dark stairs that are broken, or maybe never put in, gives us an image of real stairs in a poorly taken care of building. The mother is not satisfied with just telling her son her story. Write a few sentences describing the importance or meaning of the images. These perceptions contradict with images in the poem that show how tough and uninviting the mother’s actual life had been. but all the time i'se been a climbin' on." The mother uses the "crystal stairs" to point out that there is hardship’s in life. The stairs referred to by the mother in this poem are in a state of disrepair and dilapidation. The author might have repeated the conception of darkness two times in lines twelve and thirteen to convey two kinds of darkness, spiritual and physical. Free resources to assist you with your university studies! Mother to Son Poem Analysis Lines 1-7. We're here to answer any questions you have about our services. Company Registration No: 4964706. The mother gives advice to her son by using her own challenges in life. Clark has also published short literary fiction in the "Southern Humanities Review" and has co-authored a novel. It is not as hard for us readers to understand and remember notions that we can imagine or sense, so in poetry, authors many times add these types of details. / Cause you finds its kinder hard. This monologue is delivering a message of hope through imagery. It is this image that permeates through Langston Hughes poem, “Mother to Son”. I am trying to write a paper on this poem but I can't find all the imagery and I don't know how to explain it. Registered Data Controller No: Z1821391. She says to keep climbing the stairs and that she is still climbing them herself. *You can also browse our support articles here >. The speaker, a mother, tells her son that though her life has had many challenges, she has continued to move forward, never giving up. A mother was explaining to her son that she has faced many challenges in life but she was still set on never giving up and succeeding in life. Def. Her personal progress symbolizes the advancement for all African Americans as well. In line two of the poem, the poet says that the life of the mother ‘aint’t been a “crystal stair”. She holds a Bachelor of the Arts in political science and a Master of Fine Arts in writing. The stairs referred to by the mother in this poem are in a state of disrepair and dilapidation. We see that the son never speaks, we never hear him; this means that the mother’s knowledge of life and advice might for that reason apply to all readers, but especially to younger African-American readers. It’s had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up, And places with no carpet on the floor— Bare. She is not speaking directly to her son, but reflecting on her past, and discussing her present. Hughes s poem, Mother to Son, depicts a black mother advising her son to remain hopeful despite all the hardships one encounters in life. All the messed up parts of the stairs could symbolize the failure of lone travelers to fix the edifices holding up their lives. Karen Clark has been writing professionally since 2001. Our academic experts are ready and waiting to assist with any writing project you may have. An extended metaphor takes a comparison and carries it throughout an entire passage, like Hughes does with the staircase in the poem \"Mother to Son.\" Rather than mentioning the staircase once, the whole poem is based around the staircase and how it compares to life. Langston Hughes. These few lines show us how the mother describes the certain ways that her life’s excursion deviates from the model of the crystal stair. This informational module has been designed with four purposes in mind: 1. Staircase. Ise been a-climbin on, / And reachin landins, / And turnin corners, the mother says, conjuring the image of a climb through all of the lifes hardships. The poem “Mother to Son” written by Langston Hughes, reflects on the lessons that a Black mother was obligated to teach their child about in the early 19th century. What Is the Imagery in the Poem "Mother to Son"? Remember that TWIST stands for Tone, Word Choice, Imagery, Style, Theme. The next six lines tell about the mother’s endurance through bad times. Her professional experience includes teaching and tutoring students of all ages in literature, history and writing. Hughes poem "Mother to Son" has many poetry elements within the poem. "Mother to Son" is a poem that the speaker is a mother who describes her hardships to her son by comparing her life to stairs. The last seven lines push the son to persevere, in spite of delays and his longing to stop or go back. Looking for a flexible role?

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