SC+Langston+Hughes+Higher+Purpose

The purpose of "Mother to Son", by Langston Hughes, is that mostly ever mother wants to see her child achieve goals in life. An ordinary mother spends her parenthood advising her son to go in the right direction in life, by taking chances and not being frightened by what the world has to offer. The African American mother in the poem knows that life for a black son in America will be particularly difficult due to racism and fewer economic opportunities. The mother reassures her son that if she has been able to face racism and poverty and keeps going, that he can also have a meaningful life.He will, however, need to push forward with determination using his mother as a role model.

Nice work, Spencer! I agree that she uses this poem as a lesson. She isn't trying to be a martyr, but she wants him to persevere and emerge stronger.