Another way for students to study the poem’s figurative meaning is to explore multiple interpretations of Hughes’ symbolic language. While it is clear that the staircase in the poem represents life, the specific meaning of the “tacks”, “carpet”, “landings” etc. is left to the reader’s imagination. Have students build analytical skills by focusing on a single line and imagining several symbolic interpretations for it. The storyboard above provides an example.
The tacks could represent times she was in physical pain.
The tacks could symbolize emotional pain.
The tacks might represent obstacles that she had to avoid.
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Student Instructions
Help students understand when and why Langston Hughes wrote “Mother to Son” by sharing key facts about the Harlem Renaissance and the struggles African Americans faced at the time. This deepens their connection to the poem’s message.
Encourage students to relate the poem’s theme of perseverance to their own challenges by sharing personal stories or examples. This makes the lesson more meaningful and memorable.
Ask students to draw or map out what the staircase could look like based on the poem’s details. Visualizing helps students grasp the poem’s symbolism more concretely.
Organize a class talk where students share their symbolic interpretations for lines from the poem. This builds critical thinking and allows everyone to hear diverse perspectives.
Invite students to write a short poem or letter using their own metaphor for life’s journey. This reinforces understanding of figurative language and lets them express themselves creatively.
A spider map activity is effective for teaching 'Mother to Son.' Have students pick a line from the poem, brainstorm three possible symbolic meanings, and illustrate each interpretation. This helps develop analytical and interpretive skills with poetry.
Students can focus on a specific line and generate multiple symbolic interpretations for it. By discussing what elements like 'tacks' or 'carpet' might represent, they practice deeper figurative analysis and critical thinking.
In 'Mother to Son,' the staircase symbolizes life's journey, with its challenges and hardships. Each element, such as 'tacks,' 'splinters,' and 'landings,' can represent different obstacles or life experiences.
To use a spider map, students select a poem line, write it in the center, and add branches for different symbolic meanings. They can illustrate each meaning, which helps visualize interpretations and themes.
'It's had tacks in it' can symbolize physical pain, emotional struggles, or obstacles in life. Each interpretation lets students connect the poem to real-world challenges and personal experiences.