How do extended metaphors help readers understand the deeper message of a poem? The metaphors of the speaker’s anonymity in “I’m Nobody. Who are you?” by Emily Dickinson, the staircase in “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes, and the path in the woods in “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost represent life experiences that helped individuals uncover their identity. “I’m Nobody. Who are you?” by Emily Dickinson, uses a metaphor to compare and contrast the identities of two different types of people, somebodies and nobodies. Dickinson suggests that it’s better to enjoy life alone, rather than try to seek fame and recognition from others, “How dreary – to be – Somebody!” (Dickinson Line 5). Emily Dickinson identifies as a nobody because being around people is stressful. Being alone makes the speaker feel safe. Dickinson chose to be a nobody because somebodies (celebrities) are being judged by society for their actions and appearances. Therefore, Dickinson’s opinion is that it’s better to be anonymous rather than to be a celebrity. …show more content…
Hughes establishes a theme about identity because a mother explains to her son how many challenges she had to face, to become who she is now. She never stopped trying even when she was scared, unsure, and lonely, “Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair” (Hughes Line 2). The speaker’s life was a “roller coaster”, sometimes she was happy, and some other times she was sad. Ups and downs will come and go throughout life, but it’s important to always keep trying. “Mother to Son” is similar to “The Road Not Taken” because both poems agree that people’s identities are being affected by the choices and obstacles found in