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 Biography of Langston Hughes 

He was born in Joplin, Missouri, James Langston Hughes He attended Central High School in Cleveland, Ohio, where he began writing poetry in the eighth grade. 

His father would discourage him from pursuing writing as a career, in favor of something 'more practical'. Langston's tuition fees to Columbia University were paid on the grounds that he study engineering. 

After a while, he dropped out of the degree course, but continued to write poetry. His first published poem, The Negro Speaks of Rivers. He received a scholarship to Lincoln University, in Pennsylvania, where he received his B.A. degree in 1929. He was a prolific writer. 

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InterpretationLine(s) Meaning

Mother to Son A message from a mother to her son.

Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair-Life has not been beautiful, transparent, or easy fort he mother.  It hasn’t been an easy climb.

It’s had tacks in it, / And splinters Tacks and splinters are hazards that can cause pain, just like hazards in life.

And boards torn up The torn up boards represent damage, obstacles, and hardships in life.

And places with no carpet on the floor / Bare

This creates the image of being cold, naked and isolated.  It creates a mood of loneliness.

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But all the time / I’se been a-climbin’ on These two lines push the idea of consistency and endurance in life

And reachin’ landin’s-  This represents achieving goals in life.  The landing is a point of triumph.

And turnin’ corners Turning corners means trying new things.

And sometimes goin’ in the dark  Going in the dark can represent courage and faith. 

Where there ain’t been no light No light represents unexplored and foreign territory. 

So, boy, don’t you turn back Don’t run away from life. Don’t you set down on the steps Don’t give up

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‘Cause you finds it’s kinder hard Because it is hard.

Don’t you fall now  Don’t get weak

For I’se still goin’, honey, / I’se still climbinShe is showing her son it can be done and she is the example.

And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair. It wasn’t easy for the mother either