Compare And Contrast Thank You Ma Am And Mother To Son

Langston Hughes: Compare and Contrast Essay
By: Eliza Momberger

The two pieces of literature share a similar tone, and theme; yet they have different concepts of the meaning of hope. Langston Hughes is one of the most talented writers in the Harlem Renaissance era. His work is widely appreciated universally especially the stories,”Thank-You M’am,” and,” Mother to Son.” There are many similarities and differences in these pieces of work; such as similar tone, theme, but both have different meanings of hope in each story. Langston’s stories: “Thank-You M’am,” and, “Mother to Son,” both address the same tone. The tones of each story are about: The mothers being and having a firmness to the boys.“Thank-You M’am,” states, “Um-hum! Your face is dirty. I got a great mind to wash your face for you.” This is during when Mrs. Luella Bates is being firm with Roger; Not treating him like a tiny infant. This affects the whole idea of the story. In, “Mother to Son,” it also elaborates on this. The mother tells her son,” I’se still goin’, honey and life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” These stories address a similar tone to each story. The firmness

‘Life is going to be rough, and it’s not gonna be easy. You just have to push through it. ‘ is the main theme in these stories. That theme is stated throughout these pieces of literature. In, “Thank-You M’am,” it states “ And next time, do not make the same mistake of latching onto my pocket book nor nobody else’s- because shoes got by devilish ways will burn your feet.” Mrs. Luella Bates really hits the objective here. “Mother to Son,” demonstrates this as well. The mother really tries to wrap her son's mind around the topic of not giving up. “Don’t you fall now- For I’se still climbin’, and life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” LIfe’s gonna throw rocks at you, and plenty more; you have to show the world that you can take what you get thrown at