essay for thank you ma'am

A Summary and Analysis of Langston Hughes’ ‘Thank You, Ma’am’

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

‘Thank You, Ma’am’ is a 1958 short story by the African-American poet, novelist, and short-story writer Langston Hughes (1901-67). In the story, a teenage boy attempts to steal a woman’s purse, but she catches him and takes him back to her home, showing him some kindness and attempting to teach him right from wrong.

Plot summary

The story begins by introducing a ‘large woman’ who carries a ‘large purse’ slung over her shoulder. Late one night, she is walking alone when a boy tries to steal her purse, but because it is so heavy, he ends up falling backwards. She kicks him in the backside before shaking him vigorously and ordering him to retrieve her purse from the ground. She then asks him if he is ashamed of himself for trying to rob her.

The boy, who is dressed in tennis shoes and blue jeans, is around fourteen or fifteen years old and clearly intimidated by the large, imposing older woman. She comments on how dirty his face is and it emerges that the boy is not taken care of at home, so the woman takes him back to her home to wash his face.

The boy just wants her to let him go, but she reminds him that he was the one who imposed himself upon her when she was minding her business. She reveals that her name is Mrs Luella Bates Washington Jones. She comments that if the boy were her son, she would teach him right from wrong.

Once she has the boy inside the house she shares with other people, she asks his name, which he reveals to be Roger. She takes him into the kitchenette and finally lets go of him, ordering him to go to the sink and wash his face. Although Roger initially considers making a run for it, he does as he is bid and goes to the sink.

As the two of them talk, Mrs Jones learns that Roger attempted to steal her pocketbook because he wants money to buy some blue suede shoes. She tells him he could’ve just asked her for the money: a response which confuses Roger. Again, he thinks of running for it, afraid that she will take him to jail, but instead, when she offers to cook him something to eat, he sits down and behaves himself.

Indeed, he even resists the temptation to steal her purse, which she leaves on the table close to him while she goes behind the screen to prepare the food. He offers to go to the shop to get food for her if she needs it, and when she asks if he wants to get some sweet milk for the cocoa she’s preparing, he says that canned milk will be fine.

As they eat, she tells him about her job in a hotel beauty-shop, and offers him some cake. Then she gives Roger ten dollars and tells him to buy himself the blue suede shoes he wants, but not to try to steal from her or anybody else again, because shoes bought from ill-gotten gains would ‘burn your feet’.

As Roger leaves, he wants to thank her more fulsomely than simply saying ‘Thank you, ma’am’, but finds he is unable to. The third-person narrator of the story tells us that he never saw her again.

In this very short story, Langston Hughes suggests that all teenagers who have fallen into a life of petty crime need is someone to put them back on the straight and narrow, and Mrs Luella Jones is the person who does this for Roger in ‘Thank You, Ma’am’.

The story presents the details of the narrative in generally direct terms, with Langston Hughes’ third-person narrator rarely passing comment or providing extra detail which can help to fill in the gaps to the two central characters’ lives.

This means that the story contains some tantalising lacunae, or missing details. Although ‘Mrs’ Luella Bates Washington Jones must have got married at some point, there is no sign of her husband in the story, and she appears to live in a rented room in a larger house which she shares with other people. Is she divorced? Did her husband die? Or is he in jail, and this explains why she takes such an interest in helping Roger set his life back on the right track: she doesn’t want him to go the same way?

Similarly, she appears not to have any children of her own, although at one point, she tells Roger that he ‘ought to be’ her son because she could give him the moral compass he so badly needs. Is this the yearning of a childless woman who tried to have a son or daughter of her own but never managed to conceive?

Meanwhile, other women are able to have children but are either unable or unwilling to be proper mothers to them (she clearly isn’t impressed with the indifference, or absence, of Roger’s parents: he tells her that nobody is at home even though it is late at night by this stage).

The end of ‘Thank You, Ma’am’ also leaves things open to our interpretation and analysis. Roger is seemingly overwhelmed by the woman’s kindness and clemency: he feared she was going to turn him over to the police, but instead she gave him the money to buy the shoes he wants (curiously, Elvis Presley’s hit song ‘ Blue Suede Shoes ’ had been released just two years before Langston Hughes published his story). This is presumably why he is unable to say more than ‘thank you, ma’am’ to his benefactress as he leaves her home.

At the same time, the narrator tells us that he never saw her again after this chance encounter one night. This leads us to speculate: would Roger listen to her advice and learn from what had happened? Would he, from now on, decide against stealing things because she had been kind to him and he had had a narrow brush with justice?

Of course, we can only speculate on this issue. On the one hand, Mrs Jones provides Roger with both understanding and guidance: she tells him that she had done some things which she is so ashamed of she would never tell him about them, implying that she has been in a similar position in her own life before, but now leads a moral, honest life. Although Hughes never specifies the ethnicities of the two characters, given Hughes’ depictions of African-American life in Harlem, many readers will probably picture them both as black, so this arguably brings the two of them together.

But on the other hand, Mrs Jones will disappear from Roger’s life after this night. His chaotic home life will not. Whilst ‘Thank You, Ma’am’ shows how kindness and understanding may help a youth who has fallen into bad ways recover his moral honesty and integrity, the ending of the story remains ambiguous concerning the long-term fate of its adolescent protagonist.

Discover more from Interesting Literature

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Type your email…

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

English Studies

This website is dedicated to English Literature, Literary Criticism, Literary Theory, English Language and its teaching and learning.

“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

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Global Health and Education

Thank you ma’am analysis: by langston hughes, thank you ma’am analysis.

In the American short story “Thank You, M’aam,” Langston Hughes creates a powerful plot emphasizing themes of kindness and forgiveness . Setting the story in the 1950s of America where African Americans still faced prejudice and segregation in society, Hughes captures a snapshot of the life, experience, and culture back then. Employing literary devices, Langston also effectively uses situational irony to create a twist in the reader’s expectations and develop meaning and depth to his African American characters Ms. Luella Bates Washington Jones and young teen Roger.

Thank You Ma’am Summary, Themes

Despite Roger’s act of theft, Ms. Jones ironically feeds him and treats him well as family. The ephemeral external conflict of stealing turns against Roger, and he instead faces a conflict of trust. Author Langston Hughes intentionally creates Roger’s situation of trust to create the turning point of the story , in which the boy’s character changes due to emotions of feeling homely with the woman. Unlike the reader’s expectation for him to flee away, the qualities of being good and obedient add to his characterization, ultimately turning the boy into a dynamic character. He wants Ms. Jones to see him in a new light and to gain her trust with his integrity. Langston Hughes’ use of situational irony greatly influences the power of the story by placing an unpredictable turn in events and further establishing both African American characters’ characterization.

Thank You Ma’am Conclusion

Did you enjoy thank you ma’am by langston hughes what are some things that make you grateful 😀, share this:.

Tagged as: book , college , Creative Writing , education , high school , hope , kindness , learn , life , Literature , love , school , short story , story , thank you , thanks , thanksgiving , university , writing

Published by Moosmosis

Passionate about lifelong learning, global health, and education! Check out our Moosmosis team's award-winning youth education site and articles @moosmosis.org Recognized by United Nations Academic Impact. View all posts by Moosmosis

9 replies »

Like Liked by 1 person

Excellent essay on Thank You Ma’am by Langston Hughes! So helpful!

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Thank you for visiting, today’s top posts, our community, choose a language.

Please Like to Support!

Thank You, Ma'am

By langston hughes.

• Thank You, Ma'am Summary

Narrated in the third person by an unnamed limited-omniscient narrator, "Thank You Ma'am" begins with Mrs. Jones walking home at eleven p.m. when Roger , the story's protagonist, tries to steal her purse. The heavy purse throws Roger off balance and he falls down. Mrs. Jones—a large and imposing woman—kicks his bottom and lifts him by his shirt. She asks if he isn't ashamed of himself. He says he is ashamed.

Deducing that he has no one at home, Mrs. Jones decides to take him to her home and make him wash his face. She puts him in a half-nelson neck hold and drags him up the street as he struggles to get away, uncertain what she is doing. At her home, which is a large single room in a rooming house full of other poor people, Mrs. Jones instructs Roger to wash his face using warm water and a towel. She lets go of him and he considers running out the open door. Instead, he does as he is told.

He considers running again after he finishes drying his face. But something about Mrs. Jones's trust disarms him, and he doesn't try to flee. She asks if he was hungry, answering herself that he must have been, since he tried to snatch her purse. But he admits he wanted to buy some blue suede shoes. To this, she surprises him by saying that he could have asked her for the money. She tells him she was also young once and wanted things she could not afford. She has done things she would rather not tell him—or God—about. Roger stands dumbfounded with his mouth open. She knows he expected her to say "but," but she doesn't: she is simply honest about having been in the same situation as him.

Mrs. Jones instructs him to sit down while she heats some lima beans and ham, and makes cocoa. He knows he could leave through the door, and that she can't see him behind the screen that separates off the kitchen. He also sees that she has left her purse on the daybed. But he sits somewhere she will see him in her periphery. He doesn't want her to mistrust him.

During dinner, she doesn't ask the boy anything about where he lives, or his parents, or anything else that would embarrass him. Instead, she tells him about her job in a hotel beauty shop.

After dinner, she gives him ten dollars to buy the shoes he wants, and asks him to behave from then on, and to not snatch anybody's purses. As he goes out the door, the boy tries to say something more than just "thank you ma'am," but he hardly manages to say "thank you" before she closes the door. The story ends with the narrator commenting that the boy never sees her again.

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
• Character List

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.

• Character Comparison Essay: "The Scarlet Ibis" and "Thank You Ma'am"
• I wonder where Christ's gone”: A Marxist Critique of Organized Religion in Langston Hughes’ “ On The Road”
• Jazz Subculture in Short American Fiction: The Blues I'm Playing and Sonny's Blues
• The Bounds of Society Cripple Those Who Dare to be Different: Comparing "Seven People Dancing" and "A Perfect Day for Bananafish"

Lesson Plan for Thank You, Ma'am

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to Thank You, Ma'am
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• Thank You, Ma'am Bibliography

Thank You Ma’am: Summary and Questions Answers

Table of Contents

Certainly! I’ll retain the content and only correct the mistakes. Here is the revised version:

About Langston Hughes (1902-1967)

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.

They ate together and still had a conversation. When Roger was about to go home, Mrs. Jones gave him 10 dollars to buy that pair of blue suede shoes. After that, he never saw her again.

Questions and Answers

3. What did the woman do in response? – The woman simply turned around and kicked the boy right square in his blue-jeaned sitter. Then she reached down, picked him up by his shirt front, and shook him until his teeth rattled.

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

Global Comprehension

– 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.

1 thought on “Thank You Ma’am: Summary and Questions Answers”

Please make corrections of spelling mistakes in some questions.

Have something to say Cancel reply

Discover more from smart english notes.

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Thank You Ma Am — Themes In Thank You Ma Am

Themes in Thank You Ma Am

• Categories: Thank You Ma Am

About this sample

Words: 428 |

Published: Mar 14, 2024

Words: 428 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below:

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Verified writer

• Expert in: Literature

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

5.5 pages / 2475 words

3 pages / 1362 words

1.5 pages / 674 words

3 pages / 1428 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Thank You Ma Am

Langston Hughes was an influential African American writer and poet known for his insightful portrayals of black life in America. One of his well-known short stories, "Thank You Ma'am," offers a compelling exploration of human [...]

Langston Hughes’ book written in 1958, ‘’Thank you ma’am’’ is set in Harlem New York during a time that New York experienced rapid population growth. It explores the effects of kindness and trust. The story is about a boy named [...]

Langston Hughes, one of the world’s most famous poets, was known for his literary art and jazz poetry created during the Harlem Renaissance. He was a social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist who attended Lincoln [...]

Langston Hughes’ story about Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones and Roger is a message about kindness, sympathy and trust. Set in the 1950’s, during the incidence between our two characters, Hughes demonstrates forgiveness, [...]

“Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right path, the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands.” You do not have to steal to get everything you ever wanted. This is shown in the story Thank [...]

Ernest Hemingway called his novel A Farewell to Arms his “Romeo and Juliet.” The most obvious similarity between these works is their star-crossed lovers, as noted by critic Carlos Baker; another is that the deaths of both [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

The Story “Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughes Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Mrs. Luella Bates Washington reacts in a different way than what Roger expects after he tries to steal her purse. Roger’s attempt to steal money from her is thwarted by his fall. The lady manages to hold Roger by his shirt and pulls him to her house. From then onwards, Roger has to follow everything Mrs. Washington tells him to do.

The story illustrates how children who are deprived in society are tempted to engage in criminal activities just to survive. Roger personifies children lured into crime because of the harsh circumstances they are facing (McMahan et al. 541). Mrs. Washington intends to help the boy realise that there is a better way to get something apart from stealing. She discourages the boy from stealing people’s purses as a way to earn a living.

Mrs. Washington manages to care for the boy even though he has wronged her. She takes him to her house where she makes him wash his face. ”I got a great mind to wash your face for you. Ain’t you got nobody home to tell you to wash your face?” (McMahan et al. 541). The lady takes time to understand the circumstances that have made the boy engage in petty theft.

As she is holding him tight, she observes his face and body structure. She realizes that the boy needs help because of the hardships he is going through at the moment (McMahan et al. 541). Her demeanor intimidates the boy, who expects a severe punishment from her. However, even though her tone is stern and menacing, she still takes the responsibility of letting the boy wash his face before advising him to stay away from crime.

Mrs. Washington takes responsibility for the boy’s plight and manages to show him, love. She teaches the boy proper social and moral codes, which everyone in the society needs to follow. The boy gets to understand that stealing is not the only way a person can get what he wants. She wants to make a positive impact on the boy and the only way she can do this is by being stern and uncompromising.

“When I get through with you, sir, you are going to remember Mrs. Luella Bates Washington.” (McMahan et al. 541). She makes the boy sit after washing his face before she tells him to have supper with her (McMahan et al. 541). Mrs. Bates’s approach makes the boy attentive and he gets to learn that he needs to make the right choices in life.

Mrs. Bates reveals to Roger that she did wrong things in the past but she managed to turn her life around and become a good person. She makes Roger understand that it is human nature to crave for things that we are not able to get. Roger gets to understand that he needs to be more responsible for his actions. The story teaches us to take time to understand a situation first before making any rash decisions.

Roger personifies deprived children who are tempted to steal to satisfy their basic needs (McMahan et al. 541). Mrs. Bates gives the boy some money to buy suede shoes. The interaction Mrs. Bates has with Roger makes him see things in a new light. He gets a valuable lesson on good behavior, which he will remember for the rest of his life.

Works Cited

McMahan, Elizabeth, Susan X. Day, Robert W. Funk, and Linda S. Coleman . Literature and the Writing Process. 9th ed. New York: Pearson Education, 2010. Print.

• Telemachus Journey From Boyhood to Hero: Homer's The Odyssey
• Grasping the Human Nature: "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka
• The Life of Langston Hughes
• Hemingway’, Hughes’, and Jimenez’ Stories Comparison
• A Dream Deferred and Democracy by Langston Hughes
• Dracula by Bram Stoker: Comprehensive Analysis
• Notes from the Underground by Fyodor Dostoyevsky Literature Analysis
• The Theme of Loneliness in Life in Literature
• "The Baron in the Tree" by Italo Calvino Literature Analysis
• The Prince' by Niccolo Machiavelli Literature Analysis
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2020, May 5). The Story "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-story-thank-you-maam-by-langston-hughes/

"The Story "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes." IvyPanda , 5 May 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/the-story-thank-you-maam-by-langston-hughes/.

IvyPanda . (2020) 'The Story "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes'. 5 May.

IvyPanda . 2020. "The Story "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes." May 5, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-story-thank-you-maam-by-langston-hughes/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Story "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes." May 5, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-story-thank-you-maam-by-langston-hughes/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Story "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes." May 5, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-story-thank-you-maam-by-langston-hughes/.

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

• Basic site functions
• Ensuring secure, safe transactions
• Secure account login
• Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
• Remembering privacy and security settings
• Analyzing site traffic and usage
• Personalized search, content, and recommendations
• Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

• Remembering general and regional preferences
• Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy .

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .

• Ask LitCharts AI
• Discussion Question Generator
• Essay Prompt Generator
• Quiz Question Generator

• Literature Guides
• Poetry Guides
• Shakespeare Translations
• Literary Terms

Thank You, M’am

Langston hughes.

Ask LitCharts AI: The answer to your questions

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…

• Quizzes, saving guides, requests, plus so much more.

Literary Analysis Of 'Thank You Ma Am' By Langston Hughes

Jazmyne Nelson Dr. Rose English 101 December 11, 2017 Literary Analysis Langston Hughes’ short story entitled “Thank You Ma’am”, analyzes the interaction between Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones and Roger. It presents the readers, the idea of goodness, the theme of trust, forgiveness, and kindness. Hughes is able to convert a language that is easier to understand by characterizing the context of story, advancing important themes, and using dialogue among the characters. Trust is one of themes that stood out while analyzing the short story. Though Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones has been victimized Roger worries that she won’t trust him, so he moves. The text states, “And he did not want to be mistrusted now.”(Hughes …show more content…

Luella Bates Washington Jones as she drags Roger home with her. Once inside, she asks him to tell her his name and to wash his face in the sink. Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones forgives him with her motherly nature by saying, “ You ought to be my son I would teach you right from wrong.”(Hughes Pg.1) She is a powerful presence in Roger’s life for a short period of time. It is also, by forgiving Roger, that Mrs. Jones helps him open his eyes to the idea of choice. The combination of her sternness and compassion affects Roger tremendously. The text states, “ The boy wanted to say something else other than “Thank you, ma’am” to Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, but he couldn’t do so ..”(Hughes Pg.3) Instead of forgiving him, had Mrs. Jones handed him over to …show more content…

The style of which the story is being written is both descriptive and quite colorful, for example, “Um-hmm!... Ain’t you got nobody home to tell you to wash your face?”(Hughes pg.1) Hughes also introduces some specific languages and styles of literary devices such as repetition, hyperboles, and interjection. He also uses an exaggeration when trying to make a point, for example, “She said, ‘You a lie!’”( Hughes pg.1 ). You can’t actually be a lie so this was very exaggerated and emphasized. Also, he appeals to the reader 's senses with his very simplicit style of writing. Langston Hughes writes very simple and to the point for example, “ She was a large woman with a large purse that had everything in it but a hammer and nails.” (Hughes Pg.1) This quote gives you a quick description of who Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones is.“Thank You Ma’am” is clear about its meaning and uses dialogue to explain the theme and meaning of the

Suspense In Thank You M 'Am' By Langston Hughes

“Thank you M’am” is a piece of Prose written by Langston Hughes. Roger tries to steal Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones’s purse to get some Blue suede shoes. Instead of taking Roger to the authorities, she shows Roger kindness. The author uses suspense through setting, mystery, and dilemma. Without a doubt, the author uses the setting in the text by, stating that Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones was walking home alone when someone came up behind her and tried to steal her purse.

Change And Resilience In Thank You Ma Am, By Langston Hughes

In Langston Hughes's book

Thank You M 'Am' By Langston Hughes: Response

“Thank You M’am” Essay Response In the story “Thank You M’am” by Langston Hughes, the boy Roger, seems to be lonely. The story is about a boy named Roger who tries to steal Mrs. Jones purse, she takes him to her house and takes care of him. Roger could be described as lonely because he has nobody home at his home, he is very respectful of Mrs. Jones, and he tries to steal.

Analysis Of Jamilya By Langston Hughes

It was a time when Langston Hughes himself didn’t have the rights others of his race have today, he couldn’t vote, he couldn 't even take the seat he wanted on the bus. As expected he was dissatisfied with how things were run in his own country, and seeing the Soviet revolution in action in Central Asia sparked his interest. He was taken by what can be called in a sense the Soviet dream, where no man was discriminated

Langston Hughes 'Thank You, M' Am

In Langston Hughes’ “Thank You, M’am” Rodger is taught right from wrong from a large women whom he tries to rob. A young boy named Rodger tries to steal the large women, named Luella Bates Washington Jones. But the large women doesn’t let him get away with it. After she notices that he has a dirty face she keeps hold of him and hauls him home to wash his face. After she hauls him to her apartment he washes his face and makes the decision not to leave out the door she leaves open.

Doing The Right Thing 'And Thank You Ma' Am

(Hughes 35) Mrs. Jones has had past experiences as shown in the quote, leading her to have sympathy for Roger. Based on what happened to Mrs. Jones in the past is what gave her the courage to do the right thing. Sometimes it takes someone else to know how you truly feel to help guide you through your path to doing the right

Equality In Langston Hughes's 'Ain' T I A Woman

However, they use different strategies to show their perspective. Langston Hughes uses first person point of view and analogy. Sojourner Truth uses word choice and repetition. In the first place, the authors of the poem

Doing The Right Thing

In the short story, a boy named Roger tries to steal from a woman named Mrs. Jones, but his attempt failed. Instead of taking Roger to jail, Mrs. Jones dragged him to her house. She gave Roger a very nice meal and, she was so kind to him. What Roger did right, was not running off with Mrs. Jones purse when he had the chance to. It said in paragraph 32 of Thank You Ma’am, “The door was open.

A Thematic Analysis Of Thank You Ma Am, By Langston Hughes

Mrs. Jones, “...simply turned around and kicked…,” the boy. She also forcefully had the boy, “... pick up my pocketbook, boy and give it here…” In addition to that, the woman was very threatening. For example, Mrs. Jones, told the boy that he would remember her once she was “through with,” him. These parts are significant because it portrays a big part of Mrs. Jones’ personality.

A Central Theme Of Thank You Ma Am, By Langston Hughes

A central theme in the short story “Thank you Ma 'am” by Langston Hughes is a little kindness goes a long way. One act of kindness can change a person’s life forever. Her unnecessary kindness made a major impact on Roger and changes him. As the story progresses, we see that Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones shows empathy and kindness for Roger. That kindness appears to pass onto Roger near the end of the story.

A Christmas Memory Analysis

In, “Thank You Ma'm,” by Langston Hughes, Mrs. Jones is generous enough to supply Roger with food and money. Also, Mrs. Jones starts to trust Roger at then end of the story, even though he tried to steal her purse. For instance,

Thank You Ma Am Theme

“But the boy to care to sit on the far side of the room where he thought she could easily see him out of the corner of her eye, if she wanted to. He did not trust the woman not to trust him. And he did not want to be mistrusted now.” This long quote is essentially saying that the boy wants to run but decided to to because this lady is going to give food to him for free and he does not want her to be suspicious of him so he is acting on his best behavior. This is yet one more occasion where the theme is popping up.

Analysis Of Thank You Ma Am

In Thank You Ma 'am” by Langston Hughes, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones showed the golden Rule by bringing Rodger into her home. She showed much hospitality towards him, even though he tried to do something horrible to her. Mrs. Jones could have done something cruel to Roger, but instead she was kind to him. She taught him a valuable life lesson, although she was not mean about it. Following the golden rule in life is very important for everyone, you should always follow this rule, no matter what.

Thank You M Am By Langston Hughes

In the short story, “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes, Roger was a poor, lonely boy who tried to snatch a woman’s purse, but the woman’s actions cause Roger to become thankful. After Roger tried to take the purse the woman took him home and told him to wash his face “... Ain’t you got nobody home to tell you to wash your face?’ ‘No’m.’ said the boy” (Hughes 110). The woman realizes that Roger must be alone most of the time and needs someone to show him compassion.

The Message Of Thank You Am, By Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes ended the story by Roger not being able to say anything other than thank you ma'm to convey the message that sometimes you mean more that what you can say. In the short story, Roger had tried to steal from Mrs. Jones, and instead of turning him in she had taught him a lesson and helps him out. " Th boy wanted o say something other than "Thank You' Ma'm" to Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, but although his lips moved he turned at the foot of the barren stoop and looked at the large woman." (Hughes 15) Although Roger had wanted to thanks her he could not say what he meant to say.

More about Literary Analysis Of 'Thank You Ma Am' By Langston Hughes

Related topics.

Thank You, M'am

40 pages • 1 hour read

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?

Related Titles

By Langston Hughes

Children’s Rhymes

Cora Unashamed

I look at the world

Let America Be America Again

Me and the Mule

Mother to Son

Mule Bone: A Comedy of Negro Life

Not Without Laughter

Slave on the Block

The Big Sea

Theme for English B

The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain

The Negro Speaks of Rivers

The Ways of White Folks

The Weary Blues

Featured Collections

Harlem Renaissance

View Collection

Thank You, M'am

by Langston Hughes

Student Question

What is the thesis for the short story "Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes?

characters: Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones

themes: Motivation

Expert Answers

Who are the experts? Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team.

Educator since 2009

5,904 answers

An early career in finance as a licensed stockbroker and insurance agent was later followed by a return to college, studying literature and the poetry of Edmund Spenser and Geoffrey Chaucer, along with economics and environmental science.

One thesis you might explore is what was Mrs. Jones' motive for her actions. What was her motive for forcing (I think it fair to say "forcing, don't you?) Roger to wash his face? What was her motive for making him dinner (besides the obvious motive of feeding someone who was hungry)? What was her motive for telling him "were young once and I wanted things I could not get" without including the " but ... "? Most of all, what was her motive for giving him $10 to buy blue suede shoes (besides the obvious ones of generosity and compassion)?

Cite this page as follows:

Hardison, Karen P.L.. "What is the thesis for the short story "Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes?" edited by eNotes Editorial, 25 Sep. 2011, https://www.enotes.com/topics/thank-you-mam/questions/what-is-a-thesis-for-the-short-story-thank-you-m-402585.

13,704 answers

I taught English, social sciences, and education at the college level from 2005 to 2008.

There are probably a many different thesis statements to this excellent short story as there are people. What you need to do is think through what message you gained from the story and turn that into a thesis statement. The story concerns how one chance meeting managed to change the life of one boy, so you could construct a thesis statement based on how people influence us for the better, or something similar.

Hathaway, John. "What is the thesis for the short story "Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes?" edited by eNotes Editorial, 23 Sep. 2011, https://www.enotes.com/topics/thank-you-mam/questions/what-is-a-thesis-for-the-short-story-thank-you-m-402585.

Educator since 2010

15,884 answers

I am a middle and high school English teacher, as well as an instructor in a Master of Education program at a major university.

See eNotes Ad-Free

Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts.

Already a member? Log in here.

Tracy, Trinity. "What is the thesis for the short story "Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes?" edited by eNotes Editorial, 23 Sep. 2011, https://www.enotes.com/topics/thank-you-mam/questions/what-is-a-thesis-for-the-short-story-thank-you-m-402585.

Popular Questions

Last updated on July 4, 2024, 8:10 pm (UTC)

Exploring the characters, motivations, relationship dynamics, and thematic development between Mrs. Jones and Roger in "Thank You, M'am"

Last updated on July 4, 2024, 8:11 pm (UTC)

Analysis of Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones's character traits and motivations in "Thank You, M'am."

Last updated on December 8, 2023, 7:10 pm (UTC)

What might Roger want to say to Mrs. Jones at the end of Langston Hughes's story?

Last updated on March 31, 2024, 10:42 am (UTC)

In "Thank You, M'am," what does Mrs. Jones mean by "shoes got by devilish ways will burn your feet"?

Last updated on December 8, 2023, 6:02 pm (UTC)

In "Thank You, M'am," why did Mrs. Jones make Roger wash his face?