BIOGRAPHICAL CRITICISM

Hughes was a prominent African American poet and writer who often wrote about the
experiences of Black Americans. "Mother to Son" is a poem that reflects the struggles and
hardships faced by Black Americans, particularly Black mothers and their children. Hughes' own
experiences with racism and discrimination likely influenced his writing of this poem.

The poem is a dramatic monologue spoken by a mother to her son. While the poem is not
explicitly autobiographical, it is likely that Hughes drew on his own experiences and
observations of Black motherhood to create the character of the mother in the poem.

The poem uses the metaphor of a staircase to describe the struggles and obstacles faced by
Black Americans. The mother in the poem encourages her son to keep climbing the stairs, even
when they are broken and difficult to navigate. This metaphor can be seen as a reflection of
Hughes' own experiences with racism and discrimination, and his belief in the resilience and
strength of the Black community.

Understanding Hughes' background and experiences can help readers appreciate the poem's
themes and message. By knowing that Hughes was a prominent Black writer who often wrote
about the experiences of Black Americans, readers can better understand the poem's focus on
the struggles and hardships faced by Black mothers and their children. Additionally, knowing
that Hughes himself faced racism and discrimination can help readers appreciate the poem's
message of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.