Climbing Life's Stairs: A Poetry Flashcard

Front

What is the main theme of the poem "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes?

Back

The value of resilience

Front

What does the "crystal stair" symbolize in the poem?

Back

A comfortable life

Front

Which line best summarizes the mother's message to her son? Options: "Don’t you set down on the steps", "Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair", "And splinters", "And reachin’ landin’s"

Back

"Don’t you set down on the steps"

Front

What can you infer about the mother’s attitude toward life?

Back

She is determined and resilient

Front

What is the tone of the poem?

Back

Encouraging

Front

What does the mother mean when she says, "I’se been a-climbin’ on"?

Back

She has kept going despite difficulties

Front

What is the mood of the poem? Options: Hopeless, Determined, Frightening, Bored

Back

Determined

Front

Why does the mother tell her son not to "turn back"?

Back

She wants him to persist

Front

What do the "tacks" and "splinters" in the poem represent?

Back

Difficulties and obstacles in life

Front

How does the mother’s experience influence the advice she gives her son?

Back

She wants him to learn from her struggles