a essay on 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.

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

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

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

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

Major characters:.

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

Minor Characters:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Primary source:.

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

Secondary Sources:

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

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

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Thank You, Ma’am

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“Thank You, Ma'am” is a American short story written by Langston Hughes.

The story was published in 1958 and it is a great example of the short story form in general. It’s also one of those important short stories that carries great social value and has the ability to teach and instruct its readers.

The story features two characters; Roger and Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones.

They meet when Roger attempts to steal her purse as she is walking home late at night. Roger loses his balance, and Mrs. Jones, who seems to be a substantial woman, first kicks him in the behind as he is sprawled on the sidewalk, and then hauls him up and shakes him. She has the boy pick up her purse, and begins to dress him down. Then the story takes a turn.

http://americanliterature.com/author/langston-hughes/short-story/thank-you-mam

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

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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.

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Thank You, Ma'am

By langston hughes, thank you, ma'am essay questions.

Why is it significant that Mrs. Jones gives Roger money at the end of the story?

The ten dollars Mrs. Jones gives to Roger is symbolic of her generosity. Even though he tries to steal her purse, Mrs. Jones takes pity on Roger, choosing to respond to his thieving with understanding and generosity rather than punitive measures. This ironic reversal of expectations at first confuses Roger, and he isn't sure whether the trust Mrs. Jones extends to him, when she leaves him alone in her room with her purse sitting on the daybed, is for real. The disarming nature of her generous spirit causes Roger to politely listen to her and do as she says. Gradually, he no longer suspects she is going to report him to the police. But he is unprepared for her to give him the ten dollars he wants to buy blue suede shoes. The generous gift leaves him nearly speechless on her stoop, as he fails to articulate the gratitude he has for her. Through the story, Hughes illustrates how consideration of the circumstances that drive people to desperate acts and a generous-spirited approach to sharing resources can be an alternative to punishment.

What role does poverty play in "Thank You, Ma'am"?

Poverty is one of the major themes in "Thank You, Ma'am." Hughes makes Roger's lack of secure income obvious by having the boy attempt to steal Mrs. Jones's purse and through Roger's admission that "there's nobody home at my house." Unlike Roger, Mrs. Jones has a job and money. However, she is also poor, living in a multi-tenant rooming house with cheap food and meager kitchen appliances. She also works a service-industry job at a hotel that requires her to work late into the evening. Mrs. Jones's poverty is made most explicit when she tells Roger that she was once as desperate as him, and that she did things she is ashamed to speak of. Ultimately, poverty plays a significant role in the story because it enables Mrs. Jones to understand Roger's plight and to take pity on him rather than punish him.

What role does irony play in "Thank You, Ma'am"?

The plot of Langston Hughes's "Thank You, Ma'am" revolves around several key instances of situational irony. The ironic undermining of Roger's and the reader's expectations begins when Mrs. Jones is not at all frightened by Roger's attempted theft; instead, she easily and confidently lifts him by his shirtfront and reprimands him. The next instance of irony occurs when she decides to hold the boy captive herself rather than bring him to the police, treating him more like her own misbehaving son than a criminal. Mrs. Jones continues to surprise Roger and the reader with her unexpectedly trusting behavior, leaving Roger alone with her purse in her room while she prepares their dinner. Mrs. Jones also admits that she was once in a position similar to Roger's, and that she did things for money she would be ashamed to speak of. The final instance of irony sees Mrs. Jones give Roger—the would-be purse-snatcher—the ten dollars he wants in order to buy shoes. Ultimately, the many twists of irony illustrate how people such as Mrs. Jones can defy expectations.

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

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

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Lesson Plan for Thank You, Ma'am

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Thank You Ma Am — Langston Hughes’ Message In His Poem Thank You, Ma’am

Langston Hughes’ Message in His Poem Thank You, Ma'am

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Published: May 14, 2021

Words: 622 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

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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 [...]

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