Integrity In The Short Story Thank You Ma Am, By Langston Hughes

Indirect characterization is the most successful method when developing a character because it creates an image in the reader’s mind, in which the author allows the reader to think and create a picture in the readers mind. The author creates a more interesting and vivid picture in the readers mind in which it can help contribute to the development of the theme. For instance, in the short story “Thank You M’am” by Langston Hughes, Hughes presents Mrs.Jones as caring, helpful, courageous, and more. The author shows this by Mrs.Jones actions, speech, thoughts, looks and her effects on others. In this short story it states, “Now here, take this ten dollars and buy yourself some blue suede shoes.”

The use of character foil in “Thank You Ma’am” by Langston Hughes reveals how Mrs. Jones shows herself through Roger. Mrs. Jones and Rogers contrast with one another ends up allowing Roger to bring out the best in himself. The story begins with Mrs. Jones not punishing Roger for trying to steal her purse but acting compassionate and helpful to Roger. The large woman, Mrs. Jones brings Roger back to her home and lets him wash his face and he asks ¨You gonna take me to jail?” asked the boy, bending over the sink. ¨Not with that face, I would not take you nowhere,¨ said the woman.¨ (pg.2) Mrs. Jones shows the quality of being kind to the boy who tried to snatch her pocketbook, which reveals that she is a good person. Mrs. Jones showed her personality

Another story that reveals the theme of respecting themselves and others is “Thank You, M’am.” In Langston Hughes' perspective “Thank You, M’am”, a big lady was walking on the sidewalk at 11 o’clock at night, then a young boy came up to her and took her pocket book. The young man Roger tried to run away but the big lady Mrs Jones grabbed him and put him in a headlock, then she took Roger to her house. When Roger and Mrs Jones took him home to clean himself Roger asked why he tried to take the pocket book He said because he wanted blue suede shoes Mrs Jones gave him the money and said do not get into any more trouble. The theme, respect themselves and others is shown through the conflict of the character.

Another story that reveals the theme of respecting themselves and others is “Thank You, M’am.” In Langston Hughes' perspective “Thank You, M’am”, a big lady was walking on the sidewalk at 11 o’clock at night, then a young boy came up to her and took her pocket book. The young man Roger tried to run away but the big lady Mrs Jones grabbed him and put him in a head lock, then she took Roger to her house. When Roger and Mrs Jones took him home to clean himself Roger asked why he tried to take the pocket book he said because He wanted blue suede shoes Mrs Jones gave him the money and said do not get into any more trouble. The theme, respect themselves and others is shown through the conflict of the character.

“Thank You Ma’am” by Langston Hughes and “Gate A-4” by Naomi Shihab Nye both shared the theme that not all kindness is lost. Both authors taught this theme using the character’s conflict and symbolism. “Thank You Ma’am” is a story that reveals the theme that not all kindness is lost. In Langston Hughes’ “Thank You Ma’am”, a fourteen year old kid who’s named Roger wants a pair of Blue Suede shoes but he did not have enough money so he tried to steal from Mrs. Luella Bates Washington. Jones then catches him and mothers him.

The story Thank You, Ma'am by Langston Hughes uses situational irony in order to convey the message of people to always treat people with Dignity which grants them freedom. Situational irony is created when an author leads the reader to expect a different outcome based on the action within a situation than what actually happens. In this story the boy was tugging on an old woman's purse trying to steal something. However, he was caught and the lady was nice enough to take the boy into her home. She taught him manners, fed him, and told him to wash his face.

Misjudging someone can result in an unexpected outcome. Langston Hughes shows he agrees with this statement in his story Thank You, Ma’am when a boy believes a woman is an easy target and attempts to steal her purse. He soon discovers his original estimation was incorrect when he is dragged to the woman’s house and fed dinner. This character definitely misjudged Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. He originally believed he was just going to sneak off with her purse but was met with the realization that he had messed with the wrong person.

Explain: In other words, this poem is a message intended to speak to all the poor individuals who live in America, whether they originated from across the waters or are natives. He sees the government and the business people as full of greedy, and not treating the lower class decently. However, according to Langston Hughes this is not the expectation of the constitution. The author is trying to tell us that he feels the "Alleviation" (free nourishment for the needy) is insufficient for him. He needs a greater amount of everything for everyone so America can become America

To be quite honest, poetry is pretty boring right? Wrong! All poetry tells an interesting story, and it’s up to you whether you want to listen or not. The poem “Freedoms Plow,” by Langston Hughes is quite amazing it takes you along the journey of the African Americans struggle and plea for freedom. Langston uses stunning linguistic features to portray the socio-historic values of the time, the poetic techniques to show imagery in his poem and the mood and emotion the audience feels.

There are many themes present in the short story “Thank You Ma’am” by Langston Hughes. But I believe that the main theme is forgiveness. I think that the main theme is forgiveness, because it connects with many of the other themes such as empathy and dignity. It is also an important part of human nature. The story starts out with a boy named Roger trying to steal a purse that belongs to Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones.

Protagonists are the principal characters in literary works, their characterization helps to drive the plot of the story. With consideration of all the pieces read this year, we are to believe that Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones was the most effective protagonist within the story and with the connections with the reader, because of her motivated, able to impact the lives of others, and relatable characteristics. The short story, “Thank You, Ma’am”, written by Langston Hughes contains the story of a boy that turns to crime and attempts to steal the purse of Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. Subsequently, Mrs. Jones decides to make a meaningful impact on this Roger’s life by caring for him and teaching him that human kindness does exist.

The theme in the story “Thank You M’am” written by Langston Hughes is that kindness or one small act of kindness can change or transform a human being’s life. This theme is a recurring theme because it is mentioned in a lot of plays, books and stories.

Hughes wrote "I, Too" from the perspective of a slaved African American man. His purpose in writing this poem was to show how people of color were treated but also to highlight his hopes for the future of America by not judging one by his appearance. Although this poem deals with a less pleasant aspect of life it stills does not belittle the strong message behind the poem but instead, the author sheds light on a harsh, but common struggle that many African Americans experience during this time of history. In the poem, “I, Too” the author reflects a hopeful tone to show his frustration towards the racism he experiences. As a slave, he must eat in the kitchen away from the company that comes over, but he speaks about how “Tomorrow I’ll be at the table when company comes,” (8-10).

“The boy wanted to say something other than “‘Thank You, M'am”’ to Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, but although his lips moved, he couldn’t even say that as he turned at the foot of the barren stoop and looked at the large woman in the door”(130). Langston Hughes wrote an enduring short story called “Thank You Ma’m” that starts off with an old lady strolling an urban city at about eleven o'clock at night. Mrs. Luella Bates Washington-- otherwise known as “a large old lady” (10) teaches a lesson to Roger-- a thief searching for money to buy blue suede shoes. A central idea of “Thank You, Ma’m” is that believing in someone, despite extraordinary circumstances can change someone for the better.

”Thank You, Ma’am”, by Langston Hughes, is a short story revolving around a boy known as Roger who attempts to steal from Mrs.Jones, but does not succeed. We are also introduced to Mrs. Jones who is the owner of the purse. The story is set around 1958 it is not mentioned where, but looking at the author’s background we can hint at New York. The story is set during late night, around a deserted sidewalk. Roger, who is both eager and scared to know how she might react, finds himself shocked by Mrs.Jones dragging him to her house instead of calling on the police. As they enter the house she slips him free and tells him to get himself cleaned up.