“Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes

Quick write! In 1 minute, write down advice that someone has given you. (ex. From your mother, your father, your grandmother.)

Read Langston Hughes’, “Mother to Son”. Pg. 342 in your book.

Figurative Language Is this poem a metaphor or simile? Where in the poem does it show the figurative language?

Dialect Why do you think Hughes gave the speaker this particular dialect?

Turn and Talk! Turn to your neighbor and discuss this question… Do you think the mother’s advice is encouraging? Why or why not? Record your answers on the back of your note cards.

Theme What is the “theme” of “Mother to Son”? What does the mother compare life to? What advice does the speaker give to her son?

References: Glencoe Literature: The Reader’s Choice. 2000: New York, New York. (pg. 342-343). Langston Hughes Photostory