Read the poem below and answer questions
Well, son, I’ll tell you:
Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
It’s had tacks in it, (3)
And splinters,
And patriarchy,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.
But all the time
I’se been a-climbin’ on,
And reachin’ landin’s,
And turnin’ corners,
And sometimes goin’ in the dark
Where there ain’t been no light.
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,
I’se still climbin’,
And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
Who is speaking to whom ?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is OPTION 1 - Mother to son
This poem, Mother to Son, was written by Langston Hughes. It features a mother speaking to her son, sharing her life struggles and encouraging him to persevere.
-
The use of dialect ("I’se been a-climbin’ on") and maternal tone suggest a motherly figure.
-
The words of wisdom and encouragement ("Don’t you turn back," "Don’t you fall now") reflect a mother advising her child about life’s hardships.