Question

How does the poet continue using the image of the staircase in lines 8–13? What do you think the mother means by these images? Use textual evidence to support your answer.

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

1. The poet uses the image of the ladder in lines 8-13 to express a sense of uphill, showing that the speaker of the poem never reached the top of the ladder, as the ladder was very large and very difficult to climb, but it requires climbing constant.

2. The mother means that the battles of life are not easy and will never end, because there will always be more and more battles and difficulties, just like the infinite stairs of the stairs. It means that life is difficult, but that it is important that we persevere and that we continue to walk and fight.