Though Langston Hughes is known today as one of the most influential poets of the Harlem Renaissance and is even often referred to as the Poet Laureate of the Harlem Renaissance, his roots date back much earlier to the 1920s. It was during this time that Hughes wrote his renowned poem, “Mother to Son” and its publication in the influential anthology Weary Blues cemented it and Hughes as a beloved voice for this time.
The poem largely speaks of a mother’s advice to her son, telling him to never give up in spite of life’s difficulties. While the poem is recorded to have been first published in 1923, some argue that it could have been written as early as 1922-1923 – which would have been during the Harlem Renaissance. The poem has since become a staple of American literature and is often featured in school English classes and as a go-to theme for spoken word and rap performances.
According to early 20th-century scholar, Robert G. O’Meally, the Harlem Renaissance was a particularly important moment in history. O’Meally states that at the time, “Urban black America was in the throes of a colossal transformation.” For this reason, he posits that the influence of the powerful words of Langston Hughes and his poem “Mother to Son” became so significant for this time because of its inspirational message.
Obviously, Hughes was no stranger to the pain and struggle that people of color endured during this time. He himself was very much affected by the racism and unequal opportunities that affected African-Americans in America at the time. His time during the Great Migration to Harlem in 1921 and his later work as a columnist for the NAACP Crisis Magazine have given him the knowledge he needed to accurately portray the experiences of many people of color.
Furthermore, “Mother to Son” speaks to the same hope and perseverance that Hughes had to maintain despite being oppressed. Through the poem, he encourages others to not give up and to continue on no matter how difficult life may be. It is this strong message of hope that has allowed this poem to break free of its historical moment and transcend firmly into the American literary canon.
What is the Theme of ‘Mother to Son’?
The theme of “Mother to Son” has been the subject of much interpretive scholarship. Perhaps the most resounding theme is that of hope. As Hughes uses powerful language and imagery, it is easy to see why many interpret the poem as a testament to the resilience and hope of the African-American people. It is easy to interpret the poem as a rallying cry for those in perilous circumstances – a particular commonality of the African-American people during the Harlem Renaissance and before.
The poem is held together by the strong motherly advice that is being given. The mother explicitly states, “Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair” – making it clear that life has not been easy and there have been hardships, however they have been worth it to get to this point. In this way, Hughes is not glossing over the reality of suffering – rather, he affirms it and goes on to encourage a response of undying determination and strenuous effort.
This would have been a particularly revolutionary message for the time – to have a voice for people of color, who have suffered and endured unjust treatment, be able to speak of hope, determination and perseverance. This is why Hughes’ “Mother to Son” is hailed as one of the most influential works of not only the Harlem Renaissance, but also of America’s literary canon.
What was The Impact of ‘Mother to Son’?
The impact of “Mother to Son” is far-reaching – not only to this day, but when it was first published. The poem was widely accepted and praised during the Harlem Renaissance and won numerous awards, including the Opportunity Magazine Prize. In addition, the poem was featured in The Norton Anthology of African American Literature which helped to solidify it and Hughes as an important voice of African-American literature.
Through its publication, the poem has been able to promote a significant shift in the way African-American literature is perceived and studied today; its celebration by both the black community and mainstream America further serves to preserve its legacy. The poem also went on to inspire many works of art such as music compositions and even paintings.
In addition, “Mother to Son” has also been used in several more contemporary contexts. It is now often featured in various black movements and can be found in rap lyrics, as it was in Kendrick Lamar’s 2011 song “The Heart Pt. 2.” Additionally, Hughes’ poem is also used as part of anti-bullying campaigns today – further exhibiting its continuing influence and power today.
The Power of Langston Hughes’ Poetry
The power of Langston Hughes’ poetry is rooted in its ability to bridge his own lived experience with the collective experience of African-Americans as a whole. In this way, his poetry speaks to the shared joys and pains of the African-American community and so it is easy to let his words become an anthem of sorts – especially during the Harlem Renaissance.
“Mother to Son” is a particular example of this. Through simple language, it is able to articulate the struggles of daily life and speaks to the power of resilience, determination and hope. In this way, Hughes was able to give a voice to those who felt voiceless during the time without belittling or diminishing their experiences.
Not only this, but it is also worth noting that in some of his other works such as “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” and “My People”, Hughes invoked images of Africa and African-American culture and heritage. This is the power of Hughes’ work that is still resonating with audiences today – his roots-based language and exploration of African-American culture.
What Are the Literary Devices Used in ‘Mother to Son’?
In addition to its strong message, “Mother to Son” also employs various literary devices to help drive its point home. The most prominent of these is its use of literary imagery and metaphor. Hughes is well known for his use of vivid imagery which allows us to connect emotionally with the poem.
The most notable of these examples is, of course, the crystal stair metaphor. This metaphor serves to compare a difficult life and the difficulties of going through it to a crystal stair – one where the broken glass pieces leave cuts and bruises, but one that can still be used to ascend.
In this way, Hughes speaks to the struggles that all people may face, not just during the Harlem Renaissance, but all throughout history. Through his powerful choice of words and imagery, Hughes is able to create a world that is both instantly recognizable and yet speaks to emotions that are universal and timeless.
Langston Hughes’ Legacy
Though Langston Hughes is no longer with us, his legacy remains strong. Hughes created a collective voice for African-Americans through his work and the influence of his writing is still widely visible today. His poems are studied in literature classes, his works are often showcased in various artistic performances, and his message of hope and resilience have kept alive in public consciousness.
Considering this, it is safe to say that Langston Hughes’ “Mother to Son” has made an everlasting impact on all those who have read it and is a testament to the power of language and inspiration. Through his powerful writing, Hughes has managed to touch the hearts of millions of people and created a lasting legacy that continues to transcend through time.
Continuing Impact of ‘Mother to Son’
Though Langston Hughes first wrote “Mother to Son” almost a century ago, its influence lives on. Its words are still relevant today and its message of hope and determination continues to be a powerful one. As a result, the poem has been featured in many forms including musical lyrics and is a popular selection for poetry slams.
The poem has been featured in countless school curriculums across the globe and is even a staple for many English classes. Through its ability to capture sentiments of strength and perseverance in the face of adversity, “Mother to Son” continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the pain and struggle that people of color have gone through throughout history.
In this way, we are offered a refreshingly optimistic perspective – one that speaks to the power of resilience and hope. Through its continued presence in modern-day culture, “Mother to Son” serves as a reminder of both of the pain and struggles of the past, as well as the power of hope and possibility that still holds in the present.
Exploring the Language of ‘Mother to Son’
With the power of his language, Langston Hughes manages to take readers through the journey of an African-American mother’s advice to her son. Through this poem, Hughes is able to illustrate the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. It is this powerful choice of words that allows Hughes to create a meaningful and lasting message.
For example, the personification of life as a “crystal stair” speaks to the seemingly insurmountable difficulties that one may face and yet a reminder that it is possible to ascend above it all. It is this combination of simple language with powerful imagery that allows for instant connection with the poem and an understanding of its sentiment.
Finally, due to its strong representation of African-American culture and history, it is easy to see why Hughes’ works, particularly “Mother to Son”, serve as a source of inspiration for many. By honoring and celebrating resilience and the strength of African-Americans, Hughes is able to invoke the same power and spirit of his roots with each and every word.
