Langston Hughes wrote the poem ‘Mother to Son’ to convey the struggles and resilience of African Americans, particularly in the face of adversity. The poem features a mother speaking to her son, using the metaphor of a staircase to describe her life journey.
The staircase symbolizes the challenges and hardships that one must navigate throughout life. Instead of a smooth, easy ascent, she describes her own experience as a staircase that is ‘no crystal stair.’ This suggests that life is filled with obstacles, setbacks, and difficulties. Through this metaphor, Hughes emphasizes the importance of perseverance and determination.
Moreover, the dialogue format serves to connect generations, showcasing the wisdom that comes from experience. The mother wants to instill in her son the value of fighting through troubles and not giving up, regardless of how tough the journey may get. Hughes’ poignant use of language and imagery reflects not just personal struggles but also the broader historical and social challenges faced by the African American community. He wrote this poem during a time when racial discrimination was pervasive, aiming to inspire hope and strength within that context.
In essence, Hughes wrote ‘Mother to Son’ as a powerful message about resilience, encouraging readers to keep pushing forward despite life’s hardships.