Speaker

Definition: A speaker is the narrative voice that expresses his/her feelings in the poem. The speaker is who the point of view is in the poem. The speaker may not always be the poet.


Example: Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor --
Bare.
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.

Mother and Son by Langston Hughes

In this poem, the mother is the speaker and she's talking to her son.

Significance: The significance of a speaker is important because it allows you to feel the mood of the poem. Also, the speaker helps let you understand the purpose and meaning of the poem.