In my thesis, I will analyze the themes of Langston Hughes' poems, "Mother to Son", Harlem "A Dream Deferred", and "Weary Blues". I chose to analyze the three poems in my dissertation because they closely address the life challenges, hopes, and dreams that African Americans face. The theme of these poems varies from each other. “Mother to Son” is about a mother who attempts to demonstrate her affection and concern for her son through the wisdom she imparts to him and through the example of her own life experience, climbing a flight of stairs. Every mother wants her child to prosper in life. Mothers spend their time reassuring their children so that they follow in their footsteps, seize the opportunity that presents itself and do not let themselves be frightened by any circumstance. The advice given by the mother to her son is that life is full of ups and downs and stumbling blocks. However, despite whatever life throws at us, we must maintain faith and continue to rise, there is no turning back or sitting back. This poem tells of the staircase as a metaphor “Well, my son, I'll tell you: life is not a crystal staircase” (lines 1-2). The mother hints to her son that life is not just something you can walk through easily, but it is a long and difficult path that lasts forever. “There were tacks and splinters and torn boards, and no carpet on the floor” (Lines 3-6). Life presents you with obstacles and obstacles may come in your way, but you must overcome them. The speaker is trying to communicate this message to her son because she wants him to prepare and be ready for the trials he may quickly face in his life. The speaker might be troubled or frightened by the choices her son might make, so she advises him on how to handle the announcement...... middle of paper ...... th African American people which comes from, Harlem Renaissance period and concern about white discrimination against black people. In my opinion, Hughes succeeds in addressing the subject of discrimination in his poems. Three of Langston Hughes' poems demonstrate the spirit of optimism of facing discrimination, overcoming life's obstacles, and not letting one's dream be postponed. Works Cited Hughes, Langston. “From mother to son”. Literature and the writing process. Ed. Elizabeth McMahan. Boston: Pearson, 2011. 528 lines (1-20). Print. Hughes, Langston. "The Blues tired". Literature and the writing process. Ed. Elizabeth McMahan. Boston: Pearson, 2011. 528 lines (1-35). Print. Hughes, Langston. Harlem “A Dream Deferred.” Literature and the writing process. Ed. Elizabeth McMahan. Boston: Pearson, 2011. 531 lines (1-10). Print.