The poem “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes vividly depicts an African American mother whose strong will and determination led her to successfully overcome many of his difficulties. Hughes uses the mother to express the theme of never giving up. Another topic discussed throughout the poem is the oppression of black Americans. Because of Hughes' significant use of diction and imagery, he is able to further develop the theme he has conveyed. In this short twenty-line poem, Hughes emphasizes the importance of remaining diligent in overcoming obstacles in one's life. Mother's life had a plethora of "bugs/and splinters,/and torn boards/and places without carpet on the floor –/bare." » (Hughes, 3-7). One of the few possible ways to interpret these symbols includes the many hardships that African Americans, especially women, had to endure. We can also notice that “Bare”. differs structurally from the rest of the poem. Hughes' goal for structuring "Bare." a single line placed much emphasis on the struggles endured by the mother. Hughes includes these images to further support the mother's argument that she wants to improve herself by continuing to climb higher and higher. With perseverance comes the reward of overcoming life's obstacles. This aspect of the poem is manifested when the symbol of the staircase is presented. Near the beginning of the poem, the mother states: “For me, life is not a crystal staircase. »(2). The crystal stairs, in this poem, symbolize a sweet and easy life. The mother's life reflects exactly the opposite. The previously mentioned bedbugs, splinters, torn boards, and bare floors took a toll in creating a more difficult life for the mother. Hughes uses middle of paper......hat "in the words of the traditional African-American spiritual, 'We will one day overcome.' » (Wasley). Hughes uses diction and imagery. depicts an oppressed African-American mother who continues to climb higher, despite the many challenges she has already overcome. The theme of never giving up highlights many key triumphs that black people have conquered and still need to conquer. As Hughes expressed through his poem, keep “climbing,” because there will always be something in your way to success. Works Cited “Mother To Son by Langston Hughes.” Mother to Son, a poem by Langston Hughes. Poets love the poem on Allpoetry. Np, and Web. March 10, 2014. “Notes: Langston Hughes. » Notes: Langston Hughes. Aidan Wasley, nd Web. March 9, 2014. “The art and imagination of Langston Hughes. » Google Books. R. Baxter Miller, nd Web. March 10. 2014.