Compare And Contrast Araby And Mother To Son

Transitions are moments of realization, a time of learning and reflection, as it would be present in a person’s memory for years to come. Important and memorable moments in one’s life will have an impact on individuals depending on the magnitude of the event. Particularly, in the short story “Araby” by James Joyce and the poem “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes which present the themes of childhood and adulthood in different situations, and from distinct gender and age. In “Araby”, a young boy discovers how blind and innocent he was because of the false beliefs. While in “Mother to Son”, a mother describes the difficulties and differences that her life has been, to try and enlighten her child about how life had been for her. Both, Joyce and Hughes present the transition from childhood to adulthood differently. Joyce story is more complex and religious base than Hughes’s poem, which is simple, and depicts the parental aspect in the poem

Hughes shows how to be perseverance in life, even though it is difficult, and that guidance/support can contribute to a person that does not have much life experience, such as younger individuals. While Joyce shows how people can create false illusions from their emotions and beliefs, through either religious or personal ones. In addition, Joyce brings the idea that even in childhood, life is complicated and can be taken as serious as an adult does as presented in Hughes’s poetry. Life is not an easy path, in the journey there will be ups and downs, people who teach you and give support in one way or another. The problems and joys encounter in life makes a person more knowledgeable and prepare them to guide others. It is ultimately up to the individual as to what they may do when facing hardship, but with a proper support group, the difficulties one faces can be taken down