Mother to Son

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

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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)

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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.

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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.

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How does the poem’s use of language and free verse contribute to the author’s purpose?

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Reread this excerpt from "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes.

Well, son, I’ll tell you:
Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
It’s had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.

What does the author MOST LIKELY mean in this excerpt?

• The stairs in the speaker's house are wood not crystal.

• The speaker hasn't had many challenges in life.

• The speaker's life has been very difficult and they have faced many challenges.

• The speaker's house needs a lot of repairs.

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What can you infer about the speaker based on this excerpt?

• The speaker gives up easily.

• The speaker is brave and perseveres.

• The speaker is in good physical shape.

• The speaker is complaining about things being hard.

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Review the poem "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes. Which is the best possible theme of the poem?

• You have to persevere through life's challenges.

• Sometimes bad things happen to good people.

• Family should always be there for you.

• Always take the stairs because you will get stronger.

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Read the poem, "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes. The phrase "Life for me ain't been no crystal stair" is an example of what type of figurative language?

• Allegory

• Simile

• Personification

• Metaphor

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The speaker of the poem, "Mother to Son" is...

• A mother

• The author

• An unknown narrator

• A son

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