Jemie continues to explain that by stopping, one is simply just giving up, disregarding all of Hughes warnings that are displayed in "Mother to Son." According to the Nigerian scholar, it can also be interpreted that by stopping and admitting defeat, an African American youth is subject to becoming a prostitute or a street hustler. The mother knew the consequences of stopping on her journey, so she decided to continue to climb. She did not have an easy time on her journey, but she was ultimately able to achieve freedom through her struggles. She urges her son to do the same. Jemie appreciates her long journey, stating "she survived to bear and nourish new generations, a staggering achievement under the circumstances." (Jemie 42). Her reward for her perseverance is a life of freedom, a life where she can have a child who she teaches her values to. The poem offers a reason for its intended audience to not give up on their own journey (Jemie 42).
Robert Niemi described Hughes as a "powerful poetic voice" when he was just nineteen years old. It was around this time that Hughes wrote "Mother to Son," a poem that Niemi has …show more content…
The essay urges an artist to freely choose for themselves what profession he or she will take on, but must not be afraid of his or her decision (Hernton). Gary Younge, a black columnist from London, explained how the essay changed him as a person. Younge explains the opening of the essay, which tells a story about an encounter between Hughes' and a young black poet. Hughes explains that the black poet claimed he did not wish to be defined by his skin color. Langston felt sorry for the young man, as he might as well be wishing to be white. This is the racial mountain that stands in front of the young negro artist, this urge to be white
Robert Niemi described Hughes as a "powerful poetic voice" when he was just nineteen years old. It was around this time that Hughes wrote "Mother to Son," a poem that Niemi has …show more content…
The essay urges an artist to freely choose for themselves what profession he or she will take on, but must not be afraid of his or her decision (Hernton). Gary Younge, a black columnist from London, explained how the essay changed him as a person. Younge explains the opening of the essay, which tells a story about an encounter between Hughes' and a young black poet. Hughes explains that the black poet claimed he did not wish to be defined by his skin color. Langston felt sorry for the young man, as he might as well be wishing to be white. This is the racial mountain that stands in front of the young negro artist, this urge to be white