1. Do you remember any other poems by Langston Hughes from First Year? 2. Share what you know about Langston Hughes.
Understand 1. What kind of life has the mother in the poem led?
2. The mother says that her life ‘ain’t been no crystal stair’. What device is the poet using here?
Explore 1. What do you think the ‘tacks’ and ‘splinters’ are that the mother is referring to?
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2. What kind of person is the mother in this poem, in your opinion? Explain your answer.
3. What is the main message behind the poem, in your opinion? Back up your answer using quotations from the poem.
4. Suggest an alternative title for this poem and explain your choice.
5. (a) Choose a line from the poem and rewrite it as if it is being said in one of the accents below (use YouTube to listen to your chosen accent): Scottish Australian Welsh
(b) Swap your line with a partner and each guess which accent your partner has rewritten the line in.
(c) Why do you think phonetic language might appeal to the reader? Create
1. Draw a picture of life as described in this poem. 2. (a) In pairs, discuss other metaphors for life that you have heard of. For example: Life is a climb, but the view is great. All the world’s a stage ...
(b) Now, come up with your own metaphors for life and share your ideas with the class.
