Mother to Son by Langston Hughes

The main metaphor used in the poem 'Mother to Son' by Langston Hughes is:

• a staircase

• a journey

• a river

• a mountain

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In the poem 'Mother to Son,' the 'crystal stair' symbolizes:

• a life of ease and luxury

• a difficult and challenging journey

• a literal staircase

• a piece of jewelry

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According to the poem 'Mother to Son,' what challenges does the speaker mention?

• The speaker mentions life's difficulties as climbing a staircase with tacks, splinters, and torn-up boards.

• The speaker mentions the challenges of a smooth and easy life.

• The speaker talks about the challenges of living in a luxurious mansion.

• The speaker describes the challenges of flying in the sky.

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The advice the mother gives to her son in the poem 'Mother to Son' is:

• to give up when things get tough.

• to keep climbing and not to turn back.

• to take the easy path in life.

• to rely on others for success.

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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 speaking to her son about climbing a crystal staircase.

• A son is recounting a conversation his mother had with him about the general struggle towards earning a comfortable living.

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

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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.

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

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

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

• C. "I'se been a-climbin' on, / And reachin' landin's, / And turnin' corners" ( Lines 9-11)

• D. "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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What message or theme does this poem express about dealing with challenges?

• Overcoming challenges with resilience

• Avoiding challenges at all costs

• Facing problems is like a crystal stair.

• Relying on others to solve challenges

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1. The speaker says, "life for me ain't been no crystal stair" (Line 20). What would a crystal staircase be — both literally and figuratively?

• A smooth and easy path

• A difficult and challenging journey

• A staircase made of wood

• A life full of hardships

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