What theme is prevalent in "Mother to Son"?

The poem "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes conveys the theme of the necessity of hard work and resilience through the metaphor of a staircase. The mother speaks to her son about her life experiences, describing how she has faced numerous challenges and hardships, much like climbing a difficult and endless staircase. She emphasizes that despite the struggles she has encountered, she has not given up, conveying a powerful message about perseverance.

This theme resonates throughout the poem as the mother encourages her son to continue striving and not to turn back when faced with obstacles. Her insistence on persistence reflects the broader context of African American struggles, highlighting the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. The comparison of life to a staircase also underscores the message that achieving one's goals requires continuous effort and determination, making this theme central to the poem.