thank you mama essay

Thank You Ma’am: Summary and Questions Answers

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About Langston Hughes (1902-1967)

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Born in Joplin, Missouri, Langston Hughes moved often as a young boy. He turned to writing as a way of dealing with his ever-changing home address and the difficulties of being a young African American in the early 1900s. People first noticed Hughes in 1921 when his poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” was published shortly after he graduated from high school. He soon won other prizes and opportunities, including a college scholarship. His first book of poetry, The Weary Blues , was published in 1926. Hughes wrote fiction, plays, and essays; translated other poets; and collected African American folklore.

The story “Thank You, Ma’am” is about a boy who tries to pickpocket Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, but she catches him. She takes him back to her house, tells him to wash his face, gives him food, some money, and most importantly, her advice. She teaches/tells him that she wasn’t perfect either in her childhood and doesn’t make it right for Roger to do the same. When the boy leaves, he is so grateful. In his attempt to snatch the purse from the woman, the strap broke with the single tug the boy gave it from behind. But the purse was too heavy for him. His weight and the purse combined caused him to lose his balance, and he fell on his back on the sidewalk with his legs up. That is why he was not successful in his attempt. He couldn’t ever mutter a thank you or any thankful gesture of gratitude.

The story “Thank You, Ma’am” is about a boy named Roger and a large woman. The name of this large woman was Luella Bates Washington Jones. She had her purse with her while she was walking alone at about eleven o’clock in the evening. Out of nowhere, there was this boy who ran up behind her and attempted to snatch her purse. While running, the boy lost his balance because of the weight of the purse, and the woman caught him. She was mad because the boy tried to steal her pocketbook. The woman had a conversation with the boy; then later on, she was too bothered because his face was dirty; then she took him into her house.

At Mrs. Jones’ house, she asked the boy his name. And he said it was “Roger.” Then she let him wash his face in the sink. She invited him to eat with her, and she even suspected him of being so hungry for trying to steal her pocketbook. But he said that the reason why he tried to snatch it was that he desires to have a pair of blue suede shoes. Then Mrs. Jones said, “I was young once and I wanted things I could not get.”

2. Why was he not successful in his attempt? – Despite his intentions, the boy’s attempt turned out to be unsuccessful. With a single tug from behind, the strap of the purse broke, leading to a chain of events that caused him to lose his balance. The combined weight of the boy and the purse forced him to stumble backward, landing on his back on the sidewalk while his legs propelled upwards.

4. Why did the boy not run away when the woman finally let go of his neck? – The boy did not run away when the woman finally let go of his neck because he began to understand that the woman had no intention to take him to jail, and he was shown motherly affection by her.

6. Why did the woman stop watching the boy once she was inside the room? – The woman, by that time, was able to build trust in the boy. Her treatment of the boy in her house was that the boy had no reason to mistrust her. This natural feeling the woman must have is the reason why she stopped watching the boy once she was inside the room.

What did the woman give the boy to eat? What does this tell you about her financial situation?

8. Do you think the boy was worse off than the woman? Support your answer with two examples from the story. – I don’t. The woman too had been bad off in her past days when she was his age. For example: a) When she was young, there were times when she wanted things but she could not get them. b) She too had done things which she found it impossible to tell the boy or even to God.

10. Is the story always serious? Pick out two places where the tone of the writer is humorous. – The story is mostly of a serious nature. Some parts do contain humor. For example, the very opening sentence of the story is humorous. It says she was a large woman with a large purse that had everything in it but hammer and nails. Another example of humor is the lady’s assertion that she would not take him to jail with the face he had before it was washed.

B. Think and answer in 100-150 words.

– Roger, one of the two characters in the story ‘Thank You, Ma’am,’ is initially portrayed as indulging in a devilish act of snatching a woman’s pocketbook to buy a pair of blue suede shoes. His attempt fails when the woman, Mrs. Jones, catches hold of him. The boy never expected the lady to behave as she did because her words were intimidatory. That is why the boy struggled to free himself from the lady, forcing her to put a half-nelson about his neck. Once in her house, the boy searched for some possibility to run away by looking at the woman and the door in turn. The boy also asked the lady whether she was going to take him to jail. These are the examples to show that Roger did not expect the lady to behave as she did.

– One possibility is that if the boy had tried to run away, Mrs. Jones would have swung into action. She would lock Roger up and teach him lessons on good conduct. The other possibility is that if he really succeeded in running away, he would remain unchanged and attempt more robbery. He would continue to disturb society with his devilish actions. And one day or another day, he would be caught and booked to be sent to jail. In case of release, he would be always on the run.

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“Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes: A Critical Analysis

“Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes was first published in 1958 in the collection “The Selected Short Stories of Langston Hughes”.

Introduction: “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes

Table of Contents

“Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes was first published in 1958 in the collection “ The Selected Short Stories of Langston Hughes “. This story showcases the qualities of responsibility, morality, and kindness in the context of a young boy’s encounter with a strong and compassionate woman, Mrs. Jones. The story explores themes of crime, guilt, and redemption, set against the backdrop of a urban African American community. Through the protagonist’s journey, Hughes highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and the transformative power of kindness and forgiveness.

Main Events in “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes

• Encounter with Mrs. Jones : Roger, a young boy, attempts to snatch Mrs. Jones’s purse but fails. She catches him and drags him home.
• Acts of Kindness : Rather than turning him over to the police, Mrs. Jones takes Roger to her home, providing him food and cleanliness.
• Revelations about Roger : Mrs. Jones learns about Roger’s troubled home life and lack of guidance.
• Mrs. Jones’s Moral Guidance : She shares her own experiences and imparts wisdom to Roger about making better choices in life.
• Roger’s Guilt and Remorse : Roger starts to feel guilty for his actions and becomes remorseful for trying to steal from Mrs. Jones.
• Transformation through Responsibility : Mrs. Jones gives Roger the opportunity to wash his face and teaches him the importance of personal responsibility.
• Redemption through Kindness : Despite Roger’s attempted theft, Mrs. Jones treats him with kindness, showing him that he is worthy of respect and care.
• Impact of Forgiveness : Roger experiences the transformative power of forgiveness as Mrs. Jones chooses to trust him and gives him the money he wanted for his blue suede shoes.
• Character Growth : Roger learns valuable lessons about accountability, empathy, and the importance of second chances.
• Symbolism of the Blue Suede Shoes : The story ends with Roger’s decision not to buy the blue suede shoes he desired, symbolizing his newfound understanding of the value of hard work and earned rewards over easy gains through theft.

Literary Devices in “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes

Characterization in “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes

Major characters:.

• Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones : Mrs. Jones is a strong, no-nonsense woman who displays both toughness and kindness. She is portrayed as a maternal figure who takes responsibility for Roger’s actions and offers him guidance and compassion instead of punishment. Mrs. Jones is resourceful, as seen when she drags Roger home and provides for his immediate needs, showcasing her practicality and empathy. She shares her own experiences with Roger, imparting valuable life lessons about responsibility and making better choices. Through her actions and words, Mrs. Jones becomes a catalyst for Roger’s transformation, demonstrating the power of forgiveness and second chances.
• Roger : Roger is a young boy characterized by his desperation and lack of guidance. Initially, he attempts to steal Mrs. Jones’s purse out of a desire for material possessions. However, as the story progresses, Roger’s character undergoes significant development. Through his interaction with Mrs. Jones, he begins to feel guilt and remorse for his actions. Roger learns valuable lessons about accountability, empathy, and the importance of personal responsibility. By the end of the story, he experiences a transformation, choosing to forgo his desire for the blue suede shoes and instead embracing the principles of honesty and hard work.

Minor Characters:

• None specifically named : Other characters in the story, such as the people on the street who witness Mrs. Jones’s encounter with Roger, serve to highlight the community context and the impact of Mrs. Jones’s actions. Their reactions, though brief, contribute to the overall atmosphere and themes of the story.

Major Themes in “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes

• Compassion and Forgiveness: Even though Roger attempted to steal from Mrs. Jones, she chooses not to punish him harshly. Instead, she takes him home, feeds him, and even offers him money for the shoes he desired. This is evident in the passage: ““Then we’ll eat,” said the woman, “I believe you’re hungry—or been hungry—to try to snatch my pockekbook.” Here, Mrs. Jones recognizes Roger’s need and prioritizes his well-being over her anger.
• Understanding and Empathy: Mrs. Jones seems to understand the root of Roger’s actions. She shares her own past struggles, acknowledging, ““I were young once and I wanted things I could not get.” This moment suggests she sees Roger’s desperation and connects with him on a deeper level.
• Importance of Dignity and Respect: Despite Roger’s mistake, Mrs. Jones treats him with respect. She doesn’t belittle him and even offers guidance: ““Um-hum! You thought I was going to say but, didn’t you? You thought I was going to say, but I didn’t snatch people’s pocketbooks. Well, I wasn’t going to say that.” Here, she avoids shaming him and instead offers him a chance to learn and grow.
• Hope and Second Chances: The story emphasizes the power of offering someone a second chance. Mrs. Jones’ act of kindness gives Roger a chance to make better choices. This is shown in the ending: ““Now, here, take this ten dollars and buy yourself some blue suede shoes. And next time, do not make the mistake of latching onto my pocketbook nor nobody else’s—because shoes come by devilish like that will burn your feet.” Here, she empowers Roger to improve his life and avoid future mistakes.

Writing Style in “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes

• Simple and direct language : Hughes uses straightforward and uncomplicated language, which suits the narrative’s tone and themes.
• Conversational tone : The story is told in a conversational style, which creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy.
• Dialogue-driven narrative : The story is largely driven by dialogue, which reveals character traits, relationships, and themes.
• Use of dialect : Hughes employs African American Vernacular English (AAVE) to create an authentic and immersive experience.
• Symbolism : The story features symbolic elements like the purse, blue suede shoes, and food, which carry meaning beyond their literal interpretation.
• Realistic portrayal : Hughes presents a realistic depiction of urban African American life, exploring themes like poverty, desperation, and redemption.
• Emphasis on character development : The story focuses on the transformation of Roger and the kindness of Mrs. Jones, highlighting their emotional journeys.
• Use of humor : Hughes incorporates subtle humor, often through Mrs. Jones’ witty remarks, to balance the narrative’s tone.
• Themes and moral lessons : The story explores themes like responsibility, morality, and kindness, conveying moral lessons through the characters’ experiences.
• Economic use of language : Hughes uses language efficiently, conveying much meaning and emotion through simple, well-chosen words and phrases.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes

Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes

Short Questions/Answers about/on “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes

• What does Roger want that leads him to confront Mrs. Jones?
• Roger desperately desires a pair of blue suede shoes. The story subtly reveals this through his confession after Mrs. Jones confronts him. While explaining his actions, the text mentions, “There’s nobody home at my house,” and then quickly follows with, “Then we’ll eat,” said the woman, “I believe you’re hungry—or been hungry—to try to snatch my pocketbook” (pg 3). This suggests his hunger might be a symptom of a larger issue, hinting at a lack of basic necessities like food and nice clothes, which fuels his desire for the shoes.
• How does Mrs. Jones initially react to Roger’s attempt to steal?
• While surprised, Mrs. Jones’ initial reaction is a surprising display of strength. The text describes her immediate action: “The large woman simply turned around and kicked him right square in his blue-jeaned sitter” (pg 1). This swift response demonstrates her ability to defend herself and likely discourages Roger from further attempts.
• What does Mrs. Jones offer Roger besides money?
• Mrs. Jones offers Roger not just money, but a glimpse of stability, kindness, and a chance to be seen. She takes him home to a safe space, provides him with a hot meal and even cocoa, a treat typically associated with comfort and home. The story highlights this by saying, “She heated some lima beans and ham she had in the icebox, made the cocoa, and set the table. The woman did not ask the boy anything about where he lived… Instead, as they ate, she told him about her job” (pg 3). This act of sharing a meal and conversation suggests a desire to connect with Roger on a human level.
• What is the significance of the title “Thank You, M’am”?
• “Thank You, M’am” goes beyond a polite expression. It signifies a shift in Roger’s perspective. Throughout the story, he is unnamed, highlighting his anonymity and potential lack of a positive role model. The act of thanking Mrs. Jones, with the respectful term “m’am,” suggests a newfound respect for her and possibly a recognition of her kindness. The ending emphasizes this with, “He barely managed to say ‘Thank you’ before she shut the door. And he never saw her again” (pg 3). The brevity of his thanks underscores the weight of his gratitude and the impact Mrs. Jones has on him.

Literary Works Similar to “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes

• “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara : This short story follows a group of underprivileged children who receive a life lesson from a woman named Miss Moore during a trip to a toy store in New York City. Like “Thank You, M’am,” it explores themes of socioeconomic inequality, morality, and the transformative power of education and exposure to new experiences.
• “ Everyday Use ” by Alice Walker : In this short story, a mother and her two daughters, Dee and Maggie, clash over the ownership and meaning of cultural artifacts. Similar to “Thank You, M’am,” it delves into themes of family dynamics, heritage, and the significance of personal integrity and identity.
• “ Sonny’s Blues ” by James Baldwin : This short story revolves around the strained relationship between two brothers, Sonny and the unnamed narrator, as they navigate issues of addiction, redemption, and the search for identity in Harlem. Like “Thank You, M’am,” it explores themes of redemption, empathy, and the complexities of human connection.
• “ A Good Man is Hard to Find ” by Flannery O’Connor : O’Connor’s short story follows a family’s disastrous road trip that culminates in a confrontation with an escaped convict called The Misfit. Like “Thank You, M’am,” it explores moral ambiguity, the consequences of actions, and the possibility of redemption in unexpected circumstances.
• “Boys and Girls” by Alice Munro : This short story depicts a young girl’s coming-of-age in rural Canada as she grapples with societal expectations, gender roles, and her evolving sense of self. Like “Thank You, M’am,” it delves into themes of personal growth, independence, and the pursuit of individual identity amidst societal pressures.

Suggested Readings about/on “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes

Primary source:.

• Hughes, Langston, and Willa Freeman. Thank you, m’am . Creative Education, 1991.
• Hughes, Langston, et al. The Collected Works of Langston Hughes: Essays on art, race, politics, and world affairs . Vol. 9. University of Missouri Press, 2001.
• Rampersad, Arnold. The life of Langston Hughes: volume I: 1902-1941, I, too, sing America . Vol. 1. Oxford University Press, 2001.
• Tracy, Steven Carl. Langston Hughes & the blues . University of Illinois Press, 2001.
• Harper, Donna Sullivan. Not So Simple: The” Simple” Stories by Langston Hughes . University of Missouri Press, 1995.

Secondary Sources:

• Langston Hughes. SparkNotes. https://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/harlem/about-the-author/ (Since you don’t have a direct link, you can use the website name and a bracketed URL pointing to the general website).
• Langston Hughes’s Thank You, M’am. LitCharts. https://www.litcharts.com/lit/thank-you-m-am (Same as above for LitCharts).

Representative Quotations from “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes

Related posts:

• “The Use of Force” by William Carlos Williams
• “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” by Ambrose Bierce: Analysis
• “Civil Peace” by Chinua Achebe: Analysis
• “Good Country People” by Flannery O’Connor: Analysis

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Thank You, Ma'am

By langston hughes, thank you, ma'am themes.

Trust is a major theme in "Thank You Ma'am." Although Roger 's attempt at stealing Mrs. Jones's purse establishes a dynamic between the characters in which there is no trust, by the time Mrs. Jones drags Roger to her home, she has gained enough trust to let him loose to wash his face. In a crucial moment, Roger knows he could run away from her, as he is still uncertain whether she will bring him to the police. However, he does as she instructs and washes his face, disarmed by the trust she has shown him. Gradually, he relaxes in her presence, no longer believing she wants to punish him for his crime. Mrs. Jones even leaves him alone in the main room with the purse he tried to steal. But rather than take advantage of her trust, Roger sits where she can see him from behind the kitchen-divider screen. In that moment, Roger realizes he wants to prove himself worthy of the trust she shows him. With these ironic reversals of expectations, Hughes shows how trust is a mutually exchanged and mutually beneficial virtue.

Expressed primarily through Mrs. Jones's kind and understanding treatment of Roger, generosity is another of the story's major themes. Even though Roger attempts to steal her purse, Mrs. Jones does not resort to punitive action. She may treat Roger sternly and make him worry about what she is going to do to him, but ultimately she brings him to her home in order to learn what circumstances drove him to snatch her purse. Having found out that he comes from an impoverished home and lives with little or no parental supervision, Mrs. Jones generously feeds him and gives him the money he needs to buy suede shoes. Perhaps seeing a younger version of herself in him, Mrs. Jones understands the life-changing impact her generosity could have on Roger, whose life until then has been characterized by a need to fend for himself.

With both of the story's central characters living in low- or no-income circumstances, poverty is one of the dominant themes in "Thank You Ma'am." While Roger's poverty is overt, driving him to attempt to steal Mrs. Jones's purse in order to buy himself a pair of shoes, Hughes shows Mrs. Jones's poverty in more subtle ways, such as with the details concerning the multi-tenant rooming house in which she lives, her meager kitchen setup, and the fact her service-industry job requires her to work late into the evening. Mrs. Jones addresses her poverty most directly when she reveals to Roger she too once wanted things she couldn't afford. Although Mrs. Jones lives comfortably enough that she can afford to give Roger food and money, her once having been as poor as him makes her sympathetic to the desperation that drove him to rob her.

Dignity—a sense of pride in oneself and the state of being worthy of respect—is another dominant theme in "Thank You Ma'am." The theme of dignity first enters the story when Mrs. Jones holds Roger up by the front of his shirt and notices that his face is dirty. Mrs. Jones finds this lack of hygiene undignified, telling Roger that if he were her son, she would "teach him right from wrong." Knowing that he has no parental authority at home, Mrs. Jones takes Roger to her own home and teaches him how to wash his face in order to look more dignified in society. She also tells him to run a comb through his hair so he "will look presentable." After they eat dinner, Mrs. Jones continues to impart lessons on being more dignified, warning Roger not to steal other purses because of the remorse he will feel afterward. Ultimately, Mrs. Jones's wisdom bears authenticity because she was once in a similarly desperate situation in her life—a situation that led her to do undignified things she would rather not tell Roger or God. Having been through her own struggle with poverty and wanting things she couldn't afford, Mrs. Jones can speak credibly about the importance of living with honesty and pride.

Thank You, Ma'am Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Thank You, Ma'am is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Thank You M'am

Mrs. Jones response to Roger's attempt to steal her purse infer that she her main purpose is to make him take responsibility for his actions, in addition to the fact that she likely understands his circumstances.

Thank you Ma’am

I'm sorry, this is a short-answer literature forum designed for text specific questions. We are unable to assist students with speeches or other writing assignments.

Thank You Ma'm

A. "' You ought to be my son. I would teach you right from wrong. Least I can do right now is to wash your face. Are you hungry?'" (Paragraph 16)

Study Guide for Thank You, Ma'am

Thank You, Ma'am study guide contains a biography of Langston Hughes, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Thank You, Ma'am
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Essays for Thank You, Ma'am

Thank You, Ma'am essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Thank You, Ma'am by Langston Hughes.

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Lesson Plan for Thank You, Ma'am

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Thank You, M’am

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Empathy, Kindness, and Punishment

Langston Hughes’s “Thank You, M’am” tells the story of a young boy, Roger , who meets an older woman, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones , while attempting to steal her purse. When Roger is initially confronted by the firm and imposing Mrs. Jones, he clearly believes he will be punished for his crime; indeed, she takes him in hand, kicks him “square in the blue-jeaned sitter,” and shakes him “until his teeth rattled.” Yet it…

Family, Community, and Home

“Thank You, M’am” narrates the events of one night for Roger , a young boy, and Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones , the older woman he attempts to rob. Rather than reporting Roger to the police or take other legal action, Mrs. Jones offers the boy motherly guidance and a temporary home. Her unexpected choice can be read through the historical background of the story’s implied setting: Hughes was a central figure in the early…

Choice vs. Circumstance

“Thank You, M’am” demonstrates that individuals make better choices—and even become more upstanding, more moral people—when they are honest about their shortcomings and mistakes. A more stereotypical, less nuanced version of this story might have blamed or excused Roger ’s attempted theft of Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones ’s purse on his income, race, or class. Instead, through observing the series of decisions made by Roger and Mrs. Jones, Hughes’s story presents a more complex…

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Thank You, M'am

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A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Story Analysis

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

What is the significance of the title of “Thank You, M’am”? How does it reflect the story’s themes?

Discuss the meaning of the blue suede shoes . Why does Mrs. Jones decide to give Roger the money to buy them?

Consider Hughes’s physical descriptions of Mrs. Jones and Roger , as well as the focus on Roger’s hygiene. What role does appearance play in the story?

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Essays on Thank You Ma Am

Prompt examples for "thank you, ma'am" essays, character analysis: mrs. luella bates washington jones.

Explore the character of Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. What kind of person is she, and how does her character evolve throughout the story? What motivates her actions, and what do they reveal about her values and principles?

The Theme of Forgiveness and Redemption

Analyze the theme of forgiveness and redemption in the story. How does Mrs. Jones respond to Roger's attempt to steal her purse? What is the significance of her decision to show kindness and understanding? What message does this theme convey?

Roger's Transformation

Discuss Roger's character development throughout the narrative. How does his encounter with Mrs. Jones impact him, both emotionally and morally? What lessons does he learn from the experience, and how does he change as a result?

Social and Economic Context

Examine the social and economic context of the story. How do the circumstances of Mrs. Jones and Roger reflect broader issues of poverty, desperation, and opportunity? How does this context influence the characters' actions and decisions?

Symbolism: The Purse

Analyze the symbolism of Mrs. Jones's large purse. What does it symbolize in the story, and how does it represent her character and values? How does the purse serve as a focal point for the narrative's central conflict?

Choice and Consequence

Explore the theme of choice and consequence in "Thank You, Ma'am." How do the choices made by Mrs. Jones and Roger affect the outcome of the story? What broader message about the consequences of one's actions can be derived from the narrative?

Langston Hughes's Writing Style

Analyze Langston Hughes's writing style in the story. What literary techniques and devices does he employ to convey the characters' emotions and the story's themes? How does his use of dialogue, imagery, and symbolism enhance the narrative?

Empathy and Compassion

Discuss the themes of empathy and compassion as portrayed in the story. How do these qualities manifest in the characters of Mrs. Jones and Roger? What can readers learn from their interactions about the importance of understanding and empathy in society?

The Title's Significance

Examine the significance of the story's title, "Thank You, Ma'am." What does it reveal about the central theme and message of the narrative? How does it encapsulate the essence of the story's moral lesson?

Modern Relevance

Consider the modern relevance of "Thank You, Ma'am." How do the themes and lessons of the story apply to contemporary society? Are there real-world situations or issues that parallel the events in the narrative?

Hook Examples for "Thank You, Ma'am" Essays

Anecdotal hook.

"As I followed the unexpected encounter between Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones and Roger, I couldn't help but reflect on the transformative power of compassion and second chances."

Rhetorical Question Hook

"What does it take for a simple act of kindness to change the course of someone's life? Langston Hughes' 'Thank You, Ma'am' prompts us to explore themes of empathy, redemption, and forgiveness."

Startling Quote Hook

"'I have done things, too, which I would not tell you, son—neither tell God, if he didn't already know.' Mrs. Jones' confession encapsulates the story's message of redemption and the human capacity for change."

Historical Hook

"Set against the backdrop of Harlem during the mid-20th century, 'Thank You, Ma'am' offers a glimpse into the social and cultural dynamics of the time. Exploring this historical context provides depth to the narrative."

Narrative Hook

"Step into the shoes of Mrs. Jones and Roger as they navigate their unexpected encounter and the lessons it imparts. This narrative captures the essence of Langston Hughes' storytelling."

Character Transformation Hook

"Witness Roger's transformation from a would-be thief to a young man touched by kindness and forgiveness. Analyzing the character arc adds depth to the narrative."

Empathy and Redemption Hook

"How does the theme of empathy lead to redemption in 'Thank You, Ma'am'? Delving into the emotional aspects of the story sheds light on the power of human connection."

Life Lessons Hook

"What life lessons can we glean from Mrs. Jones' act of kindness and Roger's response? Exploring the moral and ethical dimensions of the story prompts reflection on our own actions."

Social Impact Hook

"In a world marked by social divisions, 'Thank You, Ma'am' serves as a reminder of the potential for positive change through compassion. Examining the story's social impact offers valuable insights."

Langston Hughes' Legacy Hook

"How does 'Thank You, Ma'am' contribute to Langston Hughes' literary legacy? Exploring the story's place in Hughes' body of work reveals its enduring significance in American literature."

Character Analysis of Roger in "Thank You Ma'am" by Langston Hughes

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An Analysis of "Thank You Ma'am" Written by Langston Hughes

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The Characterization of The Female Protagonists in "Thank You Ma'am" and "Story of an Hour"

Langston hughes’ message in his poem thank you, ma'am, analysis of the character of mrs. jones in thank you, m’am by langston hughes, literary analysis of thank you ma’am langston hughes, themes in thank you ma am.

1958, Langston Hughes

Short story; Urban Fiction, Literary Realism

Roger, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones

The story is based on the African American segregation and life in the 1950s.

African Americans, racism, friendship, segregation, a challenging life of the American South.

It is the short story where a young person learns about friendship and care. It speaks of the African American poverty, prejudice, and segregation in society. It has a rising action as a dynamic story, which makes it as powerful as it is.

It is a great short story where a young African American boy learns a lesson about being kind, sincere, and caring for others even though the setting may look totally different. It tells us about being good for others and having others do so to you as well. Starting with a thief attempt, the story unfolds to forgiveness and love.

Mrs. Jones represents the contents of a woman's life with all its challenges and sorrows. The purse that Mrs. Jones carries is a metaphor of all the burdens that she always carries along. Trying to tear the purse away, the young Roger is a symbolism of taking all the heaviness away by assisting Mrs. Jones in offering help. The young Roger is a communication bridge between present and the past for Mrs. Jones, which is a reflection of hope for our society. Thank you, ma'am is a great reminder of kindness through the lens of our prejudice and stereotypes we all live in. It has a Biblical influence of being kind and making just a single step to help us prevent the crime. The shoes that Roger has dreamt of is another symbolism of receiving a helping hand that will assist him in walking through a different path now.

"A large woman with a large purse that had everything ... but hammer and nails." "Roger ... looked at the woman—looked at the door—and went to the sink." "I have done things, too, which I would not tell you, son—neither tell God." "And he did not want to be mistrusted now." "I wanted a pair of blue suede shoes."

The main message is about forgiveness and empathy, the power of love, trust, and the Christian values. It is the complex mixture of a person's character VS society, which is explained by oppression to racism.

It is not only a topic of African American segregation, poverty, and prejudice, it is also a lesson of forgiveness and kindness. Since we see gangs almost daily as we watch the news or talk to friends, this short story must be used as the essay topic to talk about kindness, caring for each other, and trying to choose a different way.

1. Cox, M. (1988). Revising the literature curriculum for a pluralist society. The English Journal, 77(6), 30-34. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/818610) 2. Spaulding, A. T. (1997). A Gathering of Voices. Carolina Quarterly, 50(1), 86. (https://www.proquest.com/openview/99e380b173fb27caca4fd4af1a9c1486/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=1820998) 3. Benonguil, J. A. M. (2022). Stylistic Analysis of the Short Story “Thank You, Ma'am” by Langston Hughes. Canadian Journal of Language and Literature Studies, 2(6), 45-52. (https://cjlls.ca/index.php/cjlls/article/view/77) 4. Sussman, T., Mintzberg, S., Sinai-Glazer, H., Venturato, L., Strachan, P. H., & Kaasalainen, S. (2022). Slam Bam, Thank you, Ma’am: The Challenges of Advance Care Planning Engagement in Long-Term Care. Canadian Journal on Aging/La Revue canadienne du vieillissement, 41(3), 443-450. (https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/canadian-journal-on-aging-la-revue-canadienne-du-vieillissement/article/slam-bam-thank-you-maam-the-challenges-of-advance-care-planning-engagement-in-longterm-care/1A9C72137C3E7B7B497A7882C481FF2D) 5. Kutzinski, V. M. (2012). The Worlds of Langston Hughes: Modernism and Translation in the Americas. Cornell University Press. (https://library.oapen.org/handle/20.500.12657/31506) 6. Patterson, A. H. (2000). Jazz, Realism, and the Modernist Lyric: The Poetry of Langston Hughes. MLQ: Modern Language Quarterly, 61(4), 651-682. (https://muse.jhu.edu/article/22879) 7. Edwards, B. H. (2007). Langston Hughes and the futures of diaspora. American Literary History, 19(3), 689-711. (https://academic.oup.com/alh/article-abstract/19/3/689/169252)

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