Thank you ma am by langston hughes story. Literary Analysis Of 'Thank You Ma Am' By Langston Hughes 2022-11-17

Thank you ma am by langston hughes story Rating: 7,8/10 1971 reviews

"Thank You, Ma'am" is a short story written by Langston Hughes, an American writer and poet who was a leading figure in the Harlem Renaissance. The story follows a young boy named Roger who tries to steal Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones's purse but is caught in the act. Rather than turning him over to the authorities or punishing him, Mrs. Jones takes Roger home and teaches him a lesson about respect and kindness.

The story begins with Roger, a "bony" and "ragged" young boy, trying to steal Mrs. Jones's purse as she walks down the street. Mrs. Jones, who is described as a "large woman," quickly grabs hold of Roger and takes him to her home. Once there, she feeds him a meal and asks him why he was trying to steal her purse.

Roger explains that he was trying to get money to buy a pair of blue suede shoes, which he believes will help him fit in with the other boys in his neighborhood. Mrs. Jones is sympathetic to his desire to fit in, but she tells him that stealing is not the way to do it. She tells him that he can work for the money to buy the shoes, and she even offers to give him the money to buy them.

Despite the kindness and generosity that Mrs. Jones shows him, Roger is initially resistant to her lessons. He argues with her and tries to justify his actions, but Mrs. Jones remains firm and patient. In the end, Roger is moved by Mrs. Jones's kindness and admits that he has learned his lesson.

One of the themes of the story is the idea of redemption and second chances. Mrs. Jones could have easily turned Roger over to the authorities or punished him, but instead she chooses to show him kindness and offer him a chance to change his ways. This act of kindness has a profound effect on Roger, who realizes that he has been wrong and that he can change his ways.

Another theme of the story is the power of kindness and understanding. Mrs. Jones is able to reach Roger in a way that punishment or authority could not. By showing him kindness and understanding, she is able to connect with him and help him see the error of his ways.

Overall, "Thank You, Ma'am" is a powerful and poignant story about the transformative power of kindness and understanding. It is a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on others, and that it is never too late to change our ways and make a positive difference in the world.

Stories

thank you ma am by langston hughes story

As suggested by this quote Hughes writes in a stream of consciousness following no set pattern and instead opts to write in a style similar to an internal monologue or a hypothetical conversation with his tutor. He could make a dash for it down the hall. The woman did not ask the boy anything about where he lived, or his folks, or anything else that would embarrass him. Known as one of the most iconic African-American writers of his time, Langston Hughes had a major influence on American Literary History. Finally, she asks the boy for his name: Roger. Luella Bates Washington Jones surprises Roger with the ten dollars he had originally wanted to steal.

Next

The Story "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes

thank you ma am by langston hughes story

He could run, run, run, run, run! From then onwards, Roger has to follow everything Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, and a young boy Roger. Jones seems to dare him to make his. The boy refuses in this moment to take responsibility for his attempted theft, setting the scene for his character growth throughout the story. She heated some lima beans and ham she had in the icebox, made the cocoa, and set the table. Thank You, M'am Analysis Jones arrive at her house, she asks if he's had supper. These people all aided others through their kindness.

Next

Langston Hughes

thank you ma am by langston hughes story

Jones leaves Roger unattended so he tries to decide should he run or stay. So you set down while I fix us something to eat. Jones will punish him for trying to steal her purse, Mrs. But she bent down enough to permit him to stoop and pick up her purse. Answer: During the act of snatching the purse, the boy lost his balance and fell on the sidewalk, as did the purse. She has the boy pick up her purse, and begins to dress him down. Roger admits that he does.

Next

Thank You, M'am

thank you ma am by langston hughes story

This is something Roger seems to lack in his life, which is one of the reasons it has a profound impact on him. . She wants him to avoid cycling in and out of jail. Departing further from the literary analysis, I have some additional thoughts related to this story. While we never learn about the terrible thing Mrs. Jones' purse, Roger surprises by saying he wanted blue suede shoes, rather than food or money.

Next

“Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughes

thank you ma am by langston hughes story

Washington manages to care for the boy even though he has wronged her. When she got to her door, she dragged the boy inside, down a hall, and into a large kitchenette-furnished room at the rear of the house. She takes him to her room in a boarding house--a small, one-bedroom space equipped with a kitchenette. Be careful with using images from the internet as it's always best to use free images to avoid copyright infringements. Literary Analysis and Themes Langston Hughes' short story Thank you, Ma'am is about 'second chances.

Next

Thank You, Ma'am by Langston Hughes

thank you ma am by langston hughes story

She worked in a hotel beauty shop and was late in returning at night. Then she cut him a half of her ten-cent cake. Jones tells Roger about her late-night work at a hotel beauty shop and notably avoids grilling him about his family or home. Dignity is something one must first have within themselves. He was also a columnist, playwright, novelist, and social activist for African-American rights.

Next

Thank You Ma'am By: Langston Hughes Storyboard

thank you ma am by langston hughes story

She did not release him. She kicks him and grabs him by the shirt, asking if he feels ashamed of himself. And your face is dirty. The story features two characters; Roger and Mrs. While we cannot publish the full text, fair use policy allows me to provide a summary and overview of the story. In addition to poetry, Hughes wrote plays, and short stories. She assumes that since he was trying to steal her purse, he must be hungry.

Next

Thank You, M'am Summary

thank you ma am by langston hughes story

Jones lives in a boarding house. 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. This is a major moment of generosity on the part of Mrs. She teaches the boy proper social and moral codes, which everyone in the society needs to follow. Jones takes the opportunity to help the desperate and misguided boy by feeding him and teaching him a life lesson.

Next

Thank You, M’am Themes

thank you ma am by langston hughes story

Jones gives Roger a second chance and warns him of the life to come if he does not change his ways. To put things in historical context, Martin Luther King Jr. Jones stopped, jerked him around in front of her, put a half-nelson about his neck, and continued to drag him up the street. The large woman simply turned around and kicked him right square in his blue-jeaned sitter. Roger looked at the door—looked at the woman—looked at the door—and went to the sink. Wheedling him to clean up his face, she provides him with warm water and a towel. The lady manages to hold Roger by his shirt and pulls him to her house.

Next