Compare And Contrast The Road Not Taken And Mother To Son

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Two poems that are often compared and contrasted are "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost and Langston Hughes' "Mother to Son." Both poems discuss themes of choices and obstacles, but they present these themes in very different ways. "The Road Not Taken" is written in a contemplative, introspective tone, while "Mother to Son" is written in a more direct, conversational tone. Additionally, "The Road Not Taken" is written in rhymed verse and is set in the countryside, while "Mother to Son" is written in free verse and is set in an urban environment. Due to the fact that they are so similar and yet different, these two poems provide an interesting discussion about the various ways in which poets can convey similar themes.

The poem "The Road Not …show more content…

Both poems also focus on the idea of perseverance and the importance of staying determined in the face of adversity. Additionally, both poems use imagery and metaphor to convey their messages. In "The Road Not Taken," the speaker reflects on the choices he has made in life and wonders what might have been if he had chosen differently. Similarly, in "Mother to Son," the mother speaks of the hardships she has faced in her life and encourages her son to keep going despite the difficulties he may encounter. Both poems convey a sense of contemplation and introspection, and both suggest the importance of individuality and making one's own choices. Furthermore, both poems are written in a conversational and colloquial style that makes them easy to understand and relatable to a wide …show more content…

One of the main differences is the perspective and the voice of the poems. "The Road Not Taken" is written from the perspective of the speaker, who reflects on his own choices and regrets. "Mother to Son" is a dramatic monologue spoken by a mother to her son, and it focuses on the mother's experiences and the advice she gives to her child. Another difference is the tone of the poem. "The Road Not Taken" is written in a contemplative and introspective tone, while "Mother to Son" is more conversational and direct. "Mother to Son" is written in a more confident, assertive and encouraging tone, and it gives the sense that the mother is trying to motivate her son to overcome the challenges in his life. Additionally, "The Road Not Taken" is often interpreted as a commentary on the human condition and the nature of decision-making, while "Mother to Son" is seen as an expression of the experience of African Americans in the early 20th century, as they faced discrimination and poverty. Lastly, "The Road Not Taken" is often interpreted as a reflection on the regrets we may have about the paths we did not take, while "Mother to Son" is a reflection on the perseverance, determination and power of the human spirit to overcome