Mother to Son By Langston Hughes

Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So, boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps.
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now−
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin,'
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

−Langston Hughes

1.
Choose the correct options.
1. 'Crystal stair' refer to
  1. multiple-storeyed buildings.
  2. posh staircase.
  3. luxuries.
2. 'Turning corners' here means
  1. overcoming difficulties.
  2. being cunning.
  3. moving stealthily.
3. The 'landings' are
  1. resting places.
  2. small victories.
  3. failures.
4. 'Kinder' is a way of saying
  1. more kind.
  2. friendly.
  3. kind of.
2.
What has the mother's life been like?
3.
What things seem to bring the boy down?
4.
What is the mother's philosophy in life?
5.
Why does she ask her son to go on even when things get tough?
6.
Would you like your life to be a 'crystal stair or one with highs and lows? Give reasons for your answer.

4 more answer(s) available.

My 8th Book of Comprehension and Composition

Nupur Ghosh, Madhubun

Chapters

Mother to Son

Langston Hughes

Available Answers