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
Introduction: “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes
Table of Contents
Main Events in “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes
Literary devices in “thank you, m’am” by langston hughes.
1. | “She caught him suede of his pants” – The repetition of the “s” sound in “suede” and “pants” creates a sense of urgency in the scene. |
2. | Mrs. Jones’s name itself could be an allusion to the biblical character of “Mother Jones,” suggesting her nurturing and guiding role in Roger’s life. |
3. | Mrs. Jones is characterized as strong and compassionate through her actions, such as dragging Roger home and offering him food and cleanliness instead of turning him over to the police. |
4. | The story presents both external conflict (Roger’s attempted theft) and internal conflict (Roger’s guilt and Mrs. Jones’s decision on how to handle the situation). |
5. | The dialogue between Mrs. Jones and Roger reveals their personalities, motivations, and the evolving dynamics between them. |
6. | Mrs. Jones’s brief mention of her own experiences in the past provides a flashback that adds depth to her character and context to her actions. |
7. | Roger’s desire for the blue suede shoes foreshadows his eventual decision not to buy them, indicating his growth and change by the end of the story. |
8. | “He did not want to be mistrusted now.” – The image of Roger not wanting to be mistrusted creates a vivid picture of his internal struggle and desire for redemption. |
9. | The irony lies in Roger attempting to steal from Mrs. Jones, who ultimately teaches him valuable lessons about responsibility and kindness instead of punishing him. |
10. | “Her voice had a sound” – Mrs. Jones’s voice is compared to “tough love,” implying that she cares for Roger but is also firm in her guidance and discipline. |
11. | The motif of redemption is prevalent throughout the story, as Roger seeks forgiveness and Mrs. Jones offers him a chance to make amends and change his ways. |
12. | “The large woman simply turned around and kicked him right square in his blue-jeaned sitter” – The word “kicked” mimics the sound of the action, adding emphasis to the scene. |
13. | “The boy’s face was dirty” – Giving human attributes to the boy’s face enhances the imagery and creates a stronger visual impression. |
14. | The repetition of “Thank you, ma’am” by Roger emphasizes his gratitude and respect towards Mrs. Jones, underscoring the theme of kindness and forgiveness. |
15. | The urban African American community setting provides a backdrop for the story’s themes of crime, poverty, and the importance of compassion and understanding. |
16. | “She was a large woman with a large purse that had everything in it but hammer and nails” – Mrs. Jones is compared to her purse, highlighting her preparedness and resourcefulness. |
17. | The blue suede shoes symbolize Roger’s desire for material possessions and his eventual decision to prioritize honesty and hard work over theft. |
18. | Themes of responsibility, morality, kindness, and redemption are explored through the interactions between Mrs. Jones and Roger and their impact on each other’s lives. |
19. | The tone of the story shifts from tension and conflict at the beginning to warmth and understanding as Mrs. Jones and Roger connect and learn from each other. |
20. | Mrs. Jones’s reaction to Roger’s attempted theft is understated, as she simply takes him home rather than overreacting or involving the authorities, adding to her complexity as a character. |
Characterization in “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes
Major characters:, minor characters:, major themes in “thank you, m’am” by langston hughes, writing style in “thank you, m’am” by langston hughes, literary theories and interpretation of “thank you, m’am” by langston hughes.
Mrs. Jones represents a strong, independent, and nurturing female figure who challenges traditional gender roles. | “She was a large woman with a large purse that had everything in it but hammer and nails.” | |
The story highlights class struggle and economic inequality, as Roger’s desire for blue suede shoes symbolizes the allure of consumerism and material wealth. | “I wanted a pair of blue suede shoes… I wanted them more than anything I ever wanted anything.” | |
Roger’s attempt to steal Mrs. Jones’ purse can be seen as a symbolic attempt to gain control and power, revealing his feelings of inadequacy and desire for validation. | “He looked as if he were fourteen or fifteen, frail and willow-wild, in tennis shoes and blue jeans.” | |
The purse represents security, stability, and maternal care, while the blue suede shoes symbolize desire, materialism, and the American Dream. | “She had a long strap… and she carried it slung across her shoulder.” | |
The story presents a realistic portrayal of urban African American life, exploring themes of poverty, desperation, and redemption. | “There was nobody home at my house… I was hungry.” | |
Mrs. Jones’ actions and words emphasize personal responsibility and the importance of making choices, illustrating the existentialist idea that individuals create their own meaning. | “You could’ve asked me… You didn’t have to snatch my pocketbook.” | |
The story highlights the cultural significance of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. | “What’s your name, boy?… ‘Roger,’ answered the boy.” |
Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes
1. Theme of Redemption | – How does Roger experience redemption throughout the story? | In “Thank You, M’am,” Langston Hughes illustrates the theme of redemption through Roger’s transformative journey, highlighting the power of forgiveness and second chances. |
– What role does Mrs. Jones play in Roger’s redemption? | Mrs. Jones serves as a catalyst for Roger’s redemption in “Thank You, M’am,” guiding him towards accountability and empathy, ultimately leading to his moral growth. | |
2. Portrayal of Urban African American Community | – How does the setting influence the characters and events in the story? | Langston Hughes uses the urban African American community setting in “Thank You, M’am” to underscore themes of poverty, compassion, and the importance of community support. |
– How do societal factors impact the characters’ actions and interactions? | Through the portrayal of societal pressures and challenges, “Thank You, M’am” highlights the resilience and humanity of individuals within the urban African American community. | |
3. The Power of Kindness and Forgiveness | – How does Mrs. Jones’s kindness affect Roger’s behavior and mindset? | “Thank You, M’am” emphasizes the transformative power of kindness and forgiveness as Mrs. Jones’s compassionate actions lead to Roger’s moral growth and redemption. |
– What broader message does the story convey about the importance of forgiveness? | Langston Hughes explores the profound impact of forgiveness on personal growth and redemption in “Thank You, M’am,” illustrating its significance in fostering empathy and understanding. | |
4. Symbolism of the Blue Suede Shoes | – What do the blue suede shoes symbolize in the story? | The symbolism of the blue suede shoes in “Thank You, M’am” represents Roger’s material desires and his eventual realization of the value of honesty and hard work. |
– How does Roger’s decision regarding the shoes reflect his character development? | Through Roger’s decision not to pursue the blue suede shoes, Langston Hughes highlights his growth and prioritization of integrity over material possessions in “Thank You, M’am.” |
Short Questions/Answers about/on “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes
Literary works similar to “thank you, m’am” by langston hughes, suggested readings about/on “thank you, m’am” by langston hughes, primary source:, secondary sources:, representative quotations from “thank you, m’am” by langston hughes.
1. “She was a large woman with a large purse that had everything in it but hammer and nails.” | This description introduces Mrs. Jones as a formidable yet practical figure, symbolizing both her physical strength and her preparedness for any situation. The absence of “hammer and nails” implies that she carries everything except tools for violence, suggesting her preference for resolution through other means. Her purse serves as a metaphor for her ability to provide for others and to offer guidance and support. |
2. “When I get through with you, sir, you are going to remember Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones.” | Mrs. Jones’s assertion of authority and determination to teach Roger a lesson reflects her strong sense of responsibility and commitment to guiding him towards redemption. This statement foreshadows the transformative impact she will have on Roger’s life and underscores her role as a mentor figure. |
3. “I were young once and I wanted things I could not get.” | Mrs. Jones’s revelation of her own past desires and struggles humanizes her character and establishes a sense of empathy and understanding between her and Roger. By sharing her own experiences, she demonstrates vulnerability and encourages Roger to open up and connect with her on a deeper level. |
4. “Do you need somebody to go to the store, maybe to get some milk or something?” | Roger’s offer to help Mrs. Jones reflects his desire to make amends and to show gratitude for her kindness towards him. This gesture signifies his growing sense of responsibility and empathy, as he seeks to assist her in return for her generosity. |
5. “Here, take this ten dollars and buy yourself some blue suede shoes… I wish you would behave yourself, son, from here on in.” | Mrs. Jones’s parting gift of money for the blue suede shoes symbolizes her belief in Roger’s potential for positive change and her hope for his future. Her admonition to “behave yourself” reinforces her expectations of him and serves as a gentle reminder of the lessons he has learned under her guidance. |
6. “He did not trust the woman not to trust him… And he did not want to be mistrusted now.” | Roger’s internal conflict reveals his fear of judgment and rejection, as well as his desire for acceptance and understanding from Mrs. Jones. This quote highlights the importance of trust and empathy in their relationship and underscores Roger’s longing for redemption and validation. |
7. “The boy wanted to say something else other than ‘Thank you, m’am’ to Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, but he couldn’t do so…” | Roger’s struggle to express his gratitude and admiration towards Mrs. Jones reflects his emotional growth and his realization of the impact she has had on his life. Despite his inability to articulate his feelings, his internal conflict underscores the depth of their connection and the significance of her influence on him. |
8. “Then she said, ‘Now ain’t you ashamed of yourself?’ Firmly gripped by his shirt front, the boy said, ‘Yes’m.'” | Mrs. Jones confronts Roger with his actions and prompts him to acknowledge his wrongdoing, fostering a sense of accountability and self-awareness in him. Roger’s admission of shame signifies his recognition of the moral implications of his behavior and marks the beginning of his journey towards redemption under Mrs. Jones’s guidance. |
9. “The water dripping from his face, the boy looked at her… After he had dried his face and not knowing what else to do dried it again, the boy turned around, wondering what next.” | This moment encapsulates Roger’s uncertainty and vulnerability as he navigates his interactions with Mrs. Jones. His actions convey a mixture of apprehension, gratitude, and curiosity about her intentions, reflecting his gradual acceptance of her guidance and his willingness to learn from her example. |
10. “You could run, run, run, run, run!” | Roger’s internal monologue reveals his temptation to escape from Mrs. Jones’s influence and evade the consequences of his actions. This repetition of “run” emphasizes his inner turmoil and underscores the urgency of his decision regarding his future course of action. Ultimately, Roger’s choice to stay signifies his willingness to confront his mistakes and embrace the opportunity for redemption offered by Mrs. Jones. |
Related posts:
Leave a reply cancel reply.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
The Story “Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughes Essay
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/.
- 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
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 .
Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Thank You Ma Am — Literary Analysis of Thank You Ma’am Langston Hughes
Literary Analysis of Thank You Ma’am Langston Hughes
- Categories: Thank You Ma Am
About this sample
Words: 406 |
Published: Jan 31, 2024
Words: 406 | Page: 1 | 3 min read
Table of contents
Summary of the short story, literary analysis of the short story, significance and impact of the story, characterization, writing style.
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
2.5 pages / 1208 words
2 pages / 1008 words
3 pages / 1264 words
2 pages / 1012 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
In Langston Hughes' short story "Thank You, Ma'am," the themes of forgiveness, compassion, and redemption are intricately woven into the narrative, offering readers a poignant reflection on the power of human connection and [...]
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’ 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. A young boy snatches a purse [...]
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 [...]
You ever met someone who totally changed your view on life in just a few minutes? That's kinda what happens in Langston Hughes' story "Thank You, M'am." Mrs. Jones is this strong, no-nonsense lady who bumps into a boy named [...]
“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 [...]
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
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
- 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.
Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Langston Hughes's Thank You, M’am . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.
Thank You, M’am: Introduction
Thank you, m’am: plot summary, thank you, m’am: detailed summary & analysis, thank you, m’am: themes, thank you, m’am: quotes, thank you, m’am: characters, thank you, m’am: symbols, thank you, m’am: literary devices, thank you, m’am: theme wheel, brief biography of langston hughes.
Historical Context of Thank You, M’am
Other books related to thank you, m’am.
- Full Title: “Thank You, M’am”
- When Written: 1950s
- When Published: 1958
- Literary Period: Harlem Renaissance
- Genre: Short story
- Setting: An unnamed city at night
- Climax: Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones gives Roger ten dollars to buy a pair of shoes before sending him on his way
- Antagonist: Poverty
- Point of View: Third person
Extra Credit for Thank You, M’am
Age-Old Parental Pressure. Hughes attended two colleges: first Columbia, which he left because of racial discrimination by his fellow students. Several years later, he took up studies at Lincoln College. At both schools, his father insisted he would only pay for his college if he studied engineering.
- Quizzes, saving guides, requests, plus so much more.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
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...
Need help with Thank You, M’am in Langston Hughes's Thank You, M’am? Check out our revolutionary side-by-side summary and analysis.
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.
The thesis statement will: 1. hint at what the reader can expect. 2. guide the reader towards interpreting the writer's perspective. 3. contribute towards understanding the theme....
Langston Hughes' short story "Thank You Ma'am" explores the themes of empathy, redemption, and the power of kindness through the chance encounter between... read full [Essay Sample] for free.
The Story “Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughes Essay. Exclusively available on Available only on IvyPanda® Made by Human • No AI. Mrs. Luella Bates Washington reacts in a different way than what Roger expects after he tries to steal her purse.
Themes In Thank You Ma Am Essay. In Langston Hughes' short story "Thank You, Ma'am," the themes of forgiveness, compassion, and redemption are intricately woven into the narrative, offering readers a poignant reflection on the power of human connection and [...]
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 best study guide to Thank You, M’am on the planet, from the creators of SparkNotes. Get the summaries, analysis, and quotes you need.
Dive deep into Langston Hughes' Thank You, M'am with extended analysis, commentary, and discussion.