In Langston Hughes’ poem ‘Mother to Son,’ the crystal stair is a powerful metaphor used to illustrate the challenges and hardships the mother has faced throughout her life. The poem is a monologue where the mother advises her son to keep moving forward despite the difficulties he may encounter.
The crystal stair represents an ideal, smooth, and easy path in life. However, the mother contrasts this with her own experience, stating that her life has not been a crystal stair. Instead, it has been filled with tacks, splinters, and torn-up boards, symbolizing the obstacles and struggles she has endured.
By using the crystal stair as a metaphor, Hughes emphasizes the disparity between the ideal and the reality of life, especially for African Americans during the early 20th century. The mother’s message is one of resilience and perseverance, encouraging her son to continue climbing, even when the path is rough and uneven.
This metaphor not only highlights the mother’s strength and determination but also serves as a universal message of hope and endurance for anyone facing adversity.