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What Are The Characters In Thank You M Am

Decent Essays

Within the story “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes, two very contrasting characters are presented. One character Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, is a very independant and strong woman. Whereas, Roger is a poor and frail young man. Although they are brought together by a less than desirable situation, both of the character’s attractive personalities are shown throughout the story through indirect characterization. Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones is a very intriguing character. She is “a large woman with a large purse that had everything in it but hammers and nails” (120).She is like a mother; a caring, amiable, and generous person. Mrs. Jones offers a poor boy food and gives him ten dollars, so he could buy a pair of blue suede …show more content…

Jones, his second character is even more captivating. Roger is a poor young man who “looked as if were fourteen or fifteen, frail and willow-wind, in tennis shoes and blue jeans” (122). He looks like an ordinary boy, but his actions tell a different story. While Mrs. Jones is walking along, Roger comes out and tries to snatch her large purse. His attempt eventually fails and Roger is placed in the precarious situation of dealing with Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. Even though his actions portray him as a thief, his words show that he is a polite and respecting young man and not a thief. Roger’s politeness is shown when he call Mrs. Jones “ma’am” and when he offers to fetch items that she may need. His respectfulness is shown throughout the story when he does not speak unless spoken to. Even though Roger’s actions depicts him as a thief, his words and reactions show him to be polite and respectful person. Although the way Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones and Roger meet is not under ideal circumstances, they both reveal their superior and attractive characteristics. Both of them prove to be polite, amiable, and decent people. These interesting characters both face situations, whether in the present or past, but they both overcome them and let their great personalities shine through. Langston Hughes did an amazing job in creating these charming characters and showing them through indirect

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