But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now-
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
Questions:
i. What is the theme of the stanzas?
ii. Identify the figurative language used in the given stanza.
iii. How does the speaker convey the challenges they have faced in life through the use of figurative language?
iv. What advice does the speaker give to the boy, and why is it significant in the context of the poem?
v. How does the imagery of "climbin'" and "turnin' corners" contribute to the overall message of the stanzas?
vi. What emotions do you think the speaker is trying to convey through the line "Don't you fall now- / For I'se still goin', honey, / I'se still climbin'"?
vii. In what ways does the speaker emphasize the perseverance required in life's journey?
viii. Discuss the impact of the repeated use of the word "I'se" in the stanzas and its contribution to the tone of the poem.
ix. How does the speaker use the metaphor of a "crystal stair" to describe their life, and what does it reveal about their experiences?
x. Analyze the significance of the speaker's encouragement to the boy not to "turn back" and the repeated emphasis on continuing the climb despite difficulties.