Langston Hughes shares her optimism in life through “Mother to Son”, I, Too, and Jazzonia. This is because poetry allows poets to communicate their life values.
Langston explores the notion of optimism in Mother to Son. She shows how she remained hopeful despite being a parent who was constantly in chaos. Langston assumes the role of the character and is the mother who encourages her son to never lose heart. Since there were tacks and splinters on her floor, as well as damaged boards and bare spots, she says the “crystal staircase” of obstacles that have gotten in the way of her success has not been one. These lines showed the difficulties of mother’s childhood. She then describes how she “climbed up and reached landings and turned curves and sometimes went in the darkness where there was none of the light.” (IX-XIII). She demonstrated determination and persistence regardless of her circumstances. Langston tells him to keep her concentration high and embrace all obstacles. Since she herself has been through many struggles, she urges him to stay hopeful and not lose heart. The son should have heard the poem and been encouraged to develop positive perspectives about life’s challenges.
Langston, who wrote “I, Too”, is optimistic about how the United States will treat African-Americans. It is clear that these Americans must suffer the same mistreatment in order for them to be able to communicate with Americans. The character declares in the poem that “I am my darker brother.” When guests come, they send me to my kitchen (2. I-III). As a result, America’s prejudice against blacks was evident. Whites were unable to identify and associate with them at their meetings. They exiled and isolated them because they were not interested in the companionship and benefits of being with their own race. The character doesn’t react badly to the treatment, and laughs instead in the “kitchen”. Further positives for him are that he can eat properly and is getting stronger. He is optimistic that he will enjoy the same benefits and rights as whites. He believes that “no one will ever tell me to cook in the kitchen” when it arrives. V-VI). He also believes that “they will see how wonderful I am” and be embarrassed. I, too, will one day become an American. This poem is meant to encourage people of color living in America, that they can be included into America’s community.
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