Mother to Son Review

Front

What is the tone of the poem 'Mother to Son'?

Back

The tone is characterized as poignant reflection, conveying deep emotions and insights about life's struggles.

Front

What does the phrase 'So boy, don't you turn back' signify in the poem?

Back

It redirects the poem's attention toward the speaker's son, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.

Front

What do the lines 'I'se still goin', honey' and 'I'se still climbin'' illustrate?

Back

They illustrate that the speaker has not forgotten the difficulties she faced and continues to endure challenges.

Front

What does the repetition of 'life for me ain't been no crystal stair' convey?

Back

It solidifies the speaker's sense of past and continued adversity, highlighting the struggles faced throughout life.

Front

What do the images of TACKS and SPLINTERS represent in the poem?

Back

They suggest the speaker is identifying the bitterness and pain experienced in her life.

Front

Define 'poignant reflection' in the context of the poem.

Back

A poignant reflection is a deeply emotional and thoughtful consideration of past experiences and struggles.

Front

What is the significance of the speaker's struggles in 'Mother to Son'?

Back

The speaker's struggles serve as a metaphor for resilience and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Front

How does the speaker's perspective on life influence her advice to her son?

Back

Her perspective, shaped by hardship, encourages her son to keep moving forward despite challenges.

Front

What literary devices are used in 'Mother to Son' to convey its themes?

Back

The poem uses imagery, metaphor, and repetition to emphasize themes of struggle and resilience.

Front

Explain the metaphor of the 'crystal stair' in the poem.

Back

The 'crystal stair' symbolizes an easy, luxurious life, contrasting with the speaker's reality of hardship.