Mother to Son by Langston Hughes

In the poem, whom is the speaker addressing and about what?

• A mother is telling a story to her child about her own childhood

• A mother is describing for her son the climb up a crystal staircase

• A son is recounting a conversation with his mother about his struggle to earn a comfortable living.

• A mother is warning her son about the difficulties of life and the struggle to persevere

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.6

Which of the following best explains the significance of the staircase in the poem?

• The narrator describes a tiring climb up a beat-up staircase, which represents her persistence through difficulties and challenges in life

• The narrator describes a crystal staircase, which symbolizes her goals and the hard work she has done to accomplish her dreams.

• The narrator describes her climb up a dirty staircase that transforms into a crystal stair, which represents her ability to rise above difficulties.

• The narrator describes herself going down a staircase that is falling apart, which represents her fleeing a difficult life.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.6.5

PART A: Which of the following statements best describes a major theme of the poem?

• Never forget your family.

• Persevere when life isn't easy.

• Hope is the answer to all challenges.

• Respect your elders.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

PART B: Which of the following quotes best supports the answer to Part A?

• “Well, son, I’ll tell you: / Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” (Lines 1-2)

• “It’s had tacks in it, / And splinters, / And boards torn up, / And places with no carpet on the floor — / Bare.” (Lines 3-7)

• “I’se been a-climbin’ on, / And reachin’ landin’s, / And turnin’ corners” (Lines 9-11)

• “So boy, don’t you turn back. / Don’t you set down on the steps / ‘Cause you finds it’s kinder hard. / Don’t you fall now — / For I’se still goin’, honey” (Lines 14-18)

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.W.6.9A

Which theme is most prominently featured in "Mother to Son"?

• The importance of family

• The struggle for equality

• Perseverance through hardship

• The joy of childhood

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

The mother's tone is best described as ...

• harsh
• fearful
• kind and firm
• indifferent

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.L.6.5C

Which excerpt from the poem best captures the speaker's message to her son?

• "Well, son, I'll tell you:

  Life for me ain't been no crystal stair." (Lines 1-2)

• "It's had tacks in it, /And splinters

  And boards torn up, / And places with no carpet on the floor--

  Bare (Lines 3-7)

• "I'se been a'climbin' on,

  And reachin' landin's,

  And turning' corners" (Lines 9-11)

• "So boy, don't you turn back. / Don't you set down on the steps.

  'Cause you finds it's kinder hard. / Don't you fall now--

  For I'se still goin,' honey" (Lines 14-18)

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.2

What is the central metaphor utilized in the poem?

• The narrator describes a tiring climb up a beat-up staircase, which represents her persisting through difficulties and struggles in life.

• The narrator compares a crystal staircase to her own life, symbolic of her own goals and the struggle towards them.

• The narrator describes her climb up a dirty staircase which transforms into a crystal stair, which represents her ability to rise above difficulties.

• The narrator describes herself going down a decrepit staircase, a figurative depiction of her continued problems.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.6.5

CCSS.L.6.5A

What is the main message you think the poet wishes to convey with this poem?

• A. Life can be full of challenges, but you must persevere despite the difficulties.

• B. Even when times are tough, it’s possible to see the beauty in life.

• C. The difficulties and challenges in life make the journey worthwhile.

• D. You must fight to win when life presents a painful climb.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

What emotions does the mother convey through her words to her son?

• Anger, disappointment, frustration

• Joy, excitement, pride

• Concern, care, reassurance

• Annoyance, impatience, indifference

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.L.6.5C