Mother to Son by

Langston Huges
Standard: RL11-12.4
Determine the
meaning of words
and phrases as they
are used in a text
and analyze how
specific word choices
shape meaning and
tone.

Standard: RL11-12.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are
used in a text and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning and tone.

Objective:
We will explain how the extended metaphor shapes the
message and tone the poem Mother to Son by
Langston Hughes.

Closing Task:

I will be able to explain verbally and in writing how the

extended metaphor shapes the message and tone in
the poem Mother to Son by Langston Hughes.

Introduction:

Personal examples: Advice

your eyes.

is some advice that you have been given from your parents, a teache
older person?

gave you the advice?

did it make you feel?

k Pair Share

Tone

Tone: The author/speakers attitude toward

the text (spoken or written).
Example: Im going home.
Now, I want you to think back to the advice that you
were given and try to figure out what the advice
givers tone was.
(Think Pair Share)

Synonyms
Serious, Somber

Angry, Bitter

Inspirational, Hopeful

Antonyms
Optimistic Pessimistic

Supportive
Critical

Mother to Son by Langston Hughes

The mother in this poem is giving advice to her son.

Predictions
These objects represent some things the mother mentions in the
poem.

Talking with your group

members, I want you
make some predictions
about what the mothers
message and tone
might be.

Close Reading of Mother to

Son
First Reading: Listen
After: Extended metaphor. A comparison
between two unlikely things that continues
throughout a poem.

Second Reading: Listen and highlight.

As you listen, highlight words that create the metaphor.
Example: climbing.

Third Reading: Read with me by reading

the highlights.
After: Discuss with your partner the tone
of the poem. What evidence from the
text supports this tone?

Writing

Using all that we have discussed and read, explain how

the extended metaphor shapes the message and tone of the
Use at least two pieces of evidence from the text to support
your explanation of tone.
Use complete sentences and logical paragraphs.
Be sure to reread what you wrote.

Share and
Reflect