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Thematic Analysis Of Mother To Son By Langston Hughes

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“Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes Thematic Analysis
“Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes was written in 1922 by Langston Hughes. The poem first appeared in Crisis, the official magazine of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Langston Hughes was born February 1, 1902 in Joplin, Missouri to James Nathaniel and Carrie Mercer Langston Hughes. Hughes mother and father separate shortly after his birth. His father moved to Mexico in pursuit of a better life and his mother moved often from state to state because of financial difficulties. Hughes lived with his grandmother until her death in 1910. He then went to live with family and friends and later settled in Illinois with his mother. Hughes attended Central High School, where he poetry and short stories for the school newspaper. He attended Columbia University for a short period of time before leaving the institution. Hughes continued to practice writing poetry. His work attracted many famous writers such as Vachel Lindsay. Hughes and several other African-American artists and writers started the Harlem Renaissance Movement, “the cultural, artistic, and social movement that took place in Harlem in the 1920’s”( Wormser). “Mother to Son” depicts a mother sharing encouraging words with her son to motivate him not to give up on life as he encounters different hardships. The theme of determination, perseverance and motivation is developed by the use of extended metaphors, free verse and symbols.
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