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Essays on Thank You Ma Am

Prompt examples for "thank you, ma'am" essays, character analysis: mrs. luella bates washington jones.

Explore the character of Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. What kind of person is she, and how does her character evolve throughout the story? What motivates her actions, and what do they reveal about her values and principles?

The Theme of Forgiveness and Redemption

Analyze the theme of forgiveness and redemption in the story. How does Mrs. Jones respond to Roger's attempt to steal her purse? What is the significance of her decision to show kindness and understanding? What message does this theme convey?

Roger's Transformation

Discuss Roger's character development throughout the narrative. How does his encounter with Mrs. Jones impact him, both emotionally and morally? What lessons does he learn from the experience, and how does he change as a result?

Social and Economic Context

Examine the social and economic context of the story. How do the circumstances of Mrs. Jones and Roger reflect broader issues of poverty, desperation, and opportunity? How does this context influence the characters' actions and decisions?

Symbolism: The Purse

Analyze the symbolism of Mrs. Jones's large purse. What does it symbolize in the story, and how does it represent her character and values? How does the purse serve as a focal point for the narrative's central conflict?

Choice and Consequence

Explore the theme of choice and consequence in "Thank You, Ma'am." How do the choices made by Mrs. Jones and Roger affect the outcome of the story? What broader message about the consequences of one's actions can be derived from the narrative?

Langston Hughes's Writing Style

Analyze Langston Hughes's writing style in the story. What literary techniques and devices does he employ to convey the characters' emotions and the story's themes? How does his use of dialogue, imagery, and symbolism enhance the narrative?

Empathy and Compassion

Discuss the themes of empathy and compassion as portrayed in the story. How do these qualities manifest in the characters of Mrs. Jones and Roger? What can readers learn from their interactions about the importance of understanding and empathy in society?

The Title's Significance

Examine the significance of the story's title, "Thank You, Ma'am." What does it reveal about the central theme and message of the narrative? How does it encapsulate the essence of the story's moral lesson?

Modern Relevance

Consider the modern relevance of "Thank You, Ma'am." How do the themes and lessons of the story apply to contemporary society? Are there real-world situations or issues that parallel the events in the narrative?

Hook Examples for "Thank You, Ma'am" Essays

Anecdotal hook.

"As I followed the unexpected encounter between Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones and Roger, I couldn't help but reflect on the transformative power of compassion and second chances."

Rhetorical Question Hook

"What does it take for a simple act of kindness to change the course of someone's life? Langston Hughes' 'Thank You, Ma'am' prompts us to explore themes of empathy, redemption, and forgiveness."

Startling Quote Hook

"'I have done things, too, which I would not tell you, son—neither tell God, if he didn't already know.' Mrs. Jones' confession encapsulates the story's message of redemption and the human capacity for change."

Historical Hook

"Set against the backdrop of Harlem during the mid-20th century, 'Thank You, Ma'am' offers a glimpse into the social and cultural dynamics of the time. Exploring this historical context provides depth to the narrative."

Narrative Hook

"Step into the shoes of Mrs. Jones and Roger as they navigate their unexpected encounter and the lessons it imparts. This narrative captures the essence of Langston Hughes' storytelling."

Character Transformation Hook

"Witness Roger's transformation from a would-be thief to a young man touched by kindness and forgiveness. Analyzing the character arc adds depth to the narrative."

Empathy and Redemption Hook

"How does the theme of empathy lead to redemption in 'Thank You, Ma'am'? Delving into the emotional aspects of the story sheds light on the power of human connection."

Life Lessons Hook

"What life lessons can we glean from Mrs. Jones' act of kindness and Roger's response? Exploring the moral and ethical dimensions of the story prompts reflection on our own actions."

Social Impact Hook

"In a world marked by social divisions, 'Thank You, Ma'am' serves as a reminder of the potential for positive change through compassion. Examining the story's social impact offers valuable insights."

Langston Hughes' Legacy Hook

"How does 'Thank You, Ma'am' contribute to Langston Hughes' literary legacy? Exploring the story's place in Hughes' body of work reveals its enduring significance in American literature."

Literary Analysis of Thank You Ma’am Langston Hughes

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A Theme of Compassion in "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes

An analysis of "thank you ma'am" written by langston hughes, good and evil in langston hughes' "thank you ma'am", analysis of mrs. jones from "thank you, m'am" by langston hughes, let us write you an essay from scratch.

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Analysis of Mrs.jones Character in Thank You, Ma’am

The characterization of the female protagonists in "thank you ma'am" and "story of an hour", langston hughes’ message in his poem thank you, ma'am, analysis of the character of mrs. jones in thank you, m’am by langston hughes, themes in thank you ma am.

1958, Langston Hughes

Short story; Urban Fiction, Literary Realism

Roger, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones

The story is based on the African American segregation and life in the 1950s.

African Americans, racism, friendship, segregation, a challenging life of the American South.

It is the short story where a young person learns about friendship and care. It speaks of the African American poverty, prejudice, and segregation in society. It has a rising action as a dynamic story, which makes it as powerful as it is.

It is a great short story where a young African American boy learns a lesson about being kind, sincere, and caring for others even though the setting may look totally different. It tells us about being good for others and having others do so to you as well. Starting with a thief attempt, the story unfolds to forgiveness and love.

Mrs. Jones represents the contents of a woman's life with all its challenges and sorrows. The purse that Mrs. Jones carries is a metaphor of all the burdens that she always carries along. Trying to tear the purse away, the young Roger is a symbolism of taking all the heaviness away by assisting Mrs. Jones in offering help. The young Roger is a communication bridge between present and the past for Mrs. Jones, which is a reflection of hope for our society. Thank you, ma'am is a great reminder of kindness through the lens of our prejudice and stereotypes we all live in. It has a Biblical influence of being kind and making just a single step to help us prevent the crime. The shoes that Roger has dreamt of is another symbolism of receiving a helping hand that will assist him in walking through a different path now.

"A large woman with a large purse that had everything ... but hammer and nails." "Roger ... looked at the woman—looked at the door—and went to the sink." "I have done things, too, which I would not tell you, son—neither tell God." "And he did not want to be mistrusted now." "I wanted a pair of blue suede shoes."

The main message is about forgiveness and empathy, the power of love, trust, and the Christian values. It is the complex mixture of a person's character VS society, which is explained by oppression to racism.

It is not only a topic of African American segregation, poverty, and prejudice, it is also a lesson of forgiveness and kindness. Since we see gangs almost daily as we watch the news or talk to friends, this short story must be used as the essay topic to talk about kindness, caring for each other, and trying to choose a different way.

1. Cox, M. (1988). Revising the literature curriculum for a pluralist society. The English Journal, 77(6), 30-34. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/818610) 2. Spaulding, A. T. (1997). A Gathering of Voices. Carolina Quarterly, 50(1), 86. (https://www.proquest.com/openview/99e380b173fb27caca4fd4af1a9c1486/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=1820998) 3. Benonguil, J. A. M. (2022). Stylistic Analysis of the Short Story “Thank You, Ma'am” by Langston Hughes. Canadian Journal of Language and Literature Studies, 2(6), 45-52. (https://cjlls.ca/index.php/cjlls/article/view/77) 4. Sussman, T., Mintzberg, S., Sinai-Glazer, H., Venturato, L., Strachan, P. H., & Kaasalainen, S. (2022). Slam Bam, Thank you, Ma’am: The Challenges of Advance Care Planning Engagement in Long-Term Care. Canadian Journal on Aging/La Revue canadienne du vieillissement, 41(3), 443-450. (https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/canadian-journal-on-aging-la-revue-canadienne-du-vieillissement/article/slam-bam-thank-you-maam-the-challenges-of-advance-care-planning-engagement-in-longterm-care/1A9C72137C3E7B7B497A7882C481FF2D) 5. Kutzinski, V. M. (2012). The Worlds of Langston Hughes: Modernism and Translation in the Americas. Cornell University Press. (https://library.oapen.org/handle/20.500.12657/31506) 6. Patterson, A. H. (2000). Jazz, Realism, and the Modernist Lyric: The Poetry of Langston Hughes. MLQ: Modern Language Quarterly, 61(4), 651-682. (https://muse.jhu.edu/article/22879) 7. Edwards, B. H. (2007). Langston Hughes and the futures of diaspora. American Literary History, 19(3), 689-711. (https://academic.oup.com/alh/article-abstract/19/3/689/169252)

Relevant topics

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Thank You, Ma'am

By langston hughes, thank you, ma'am summary and analysis of paragraphs 33 – 40.

There is a silent pause. Mrs. Jones continues, stating that she has also done things—things she doesn’t want to tell him or God, if God doesn’t already know. She tells Roger to sit down while she prepares them a meal. She adds that he could run a comb through his hair to look more presentable.

In a corner of the room are a gas plate and an icebox behind a screen. Mrs. Jones gets up and goes behind the screen. She doesn’t watch to see if Roger will run away. She also doesn’t watch her purse, which she leaves on the daybed.

Roger sits on the far side of the room, where he thinks Mrs. Jones can easily see him out of the corner of her eye, if she wants to. He does not “trust the woman not to trust him.” He doesn’t want to be mistrusted by her now.

Roger asks if she needs someone to go to the store to get milk or something. Mrs. Jones says she doesn’t believe she does, unless he wants sweet milk for himself. She says she was going to make cocoa out of the canned milk she has. Roger says that will be fine.

Mrs. Jones heats lima beans and ham that she has in the icebox. She makes the cocoa and sets the table. Mrs. Jones doesn’t ask Roger any personal questions about where he lives, who his parents are, or anything else that would embarrass him.

Instead, Mrs. Jones tells him, as they eat, about her job in a hotel beauty shop. She says it stays open late, and talks about what the work is like, and how all kinds of women come in and out: blondes, redheads, Spanish women. Mrs. Jones cuts Roger a half-portion of her ten-cent cake. She tells him to eat some more.

When they finish eating, Mrs. Jones gets up and gives Roger ten dollars from her purse. She tells him to take it and buy some blue suede shoes. She tells him that next time, he is not to make the mistake of trying to steal her purse or anybody else’s. She says that shoes that come to him from devilish deeds like purse-snatching will burn his feet.

She says she has to get her rest now. She says she wishes he would behave himself from here on in. She leads him down the hall to the front door, which she opens for him. As he leaves, she tells him to behave himself and wishes him goodnight.

Roger wants to say something other than “Thank you, m’am,” but he finds he cannot say anything when he turns on the barren stoop and looks back at the large woman in the door.

He barely manages to say “Thank you” before Mrs. Jones shuts the door. The story ends with the narrator commenting that Roger never sees her again.

Mrs. Jones continues to gain Roger’s trust through empathizing with his poverty and desperation. She explains that she, like him, has done things she would rather not talk about—things so shameful she wouldn’t want God to know. Mrs. Jones’s honesty is a testament to the generosity of her spirit, and her behavior continues to disarm Roger, making him finally relax in her presence.

The theme of generosity builds with Mrs. Jones’s decision to share her dinner with Roger, and Roger politely sits and waits in her “kitchenette” apartment as she prepares the meal. The style of apartment would have been common in Harlem, New York—likely where the story is set. Because of a quickly rising population, landlords divided up large buildings in Harlem to rent to more individuals. The kitchenette apartment Mrs. Jones lives in likely comprises one room with a simple kitchen in one corner and a bathroom shared with other lodgers in the house. This detail in the story signals that Mrs. Jones is, like Roger, living in relative poverty, despite having a job at a hotel.

Separating her modest kitchen area from the rest of the room is a room divider. When Mrs. Jones goes behind the screen, Roger understands that he has been left alone with her purse. He knows he could steal it and run out the door, but Roger is sure to sit where she can see him. In this way, Hughes shows how the trust Mrs. Jones extends to Roger makes him want to prove himself worthy of her trust. He continues to try to ingratiate himself with the kind stranger, offering to pick up milk from the store.

Over a meal of lima beans and ham, Mrs. Jones tells Roger about the service-industry work she does at the hotel beauty salon. The theme of dignity comes up again when the narrator comments on how Mrs. Jones makes sure not to ask Roger any questions about his absent parents or his living situation: she is cautious not to make him feel ashamed of the circumstances from which he comes. The easy intimacy the two share in the scene presents yet another instance of situational irony: most readers might forget at this point in the story that only minutes earlier Roger tried to steal Mrs. Jones’s purse.

Hughes ends “Thank You Ma’am” with Mrs. Jones’s generous decision to give Roger ten dollars to buy a pair of blue suede shoes. The shoes symbolize the consumer-driven aspirations Roger has, and she knows he cannot afford the shoes by honest means. She warns him that if he did buy shoes using stolen money, the remorse he would feel would be so strong that it would be as though the shoes were burning his feet.

Overwhelmed by the woman’s unexpected generosity—and the unexpected turn the entire evening has taken—Roger tries to summon up the ability to say more than a simple thank you. However, he barely gets the words out before the woman closes the door, never to be seen by Roger again. Mrs. Jones's unsentimental exit from the scene implies that the generosity she has shown Roger that night is nothing out of the ordinary for her—perhaps Roger is one of many would-be thieves she has brought home to feed and speak with. However, her lessons on trust, dignity, and generosity are likely to have an outsized impact on Roger’s life. As she warns early in the story, his decision to come into contact with her will last a while.

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
• 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.

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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, M'am

40 pages • 1 hour read

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The Transformative Effects of Empathy

At its core, “Thank You, M’am” is about the power of empathy to transform people’s lives. In the most basic sense, this dynamic plays out in Mrs. Jones’s decision to forgive rather than punish Roger; by recognizing and sympathizing with the impulses that led him to try to steal her purse, Mrs. Jones decides not to report him but to give him the money to buy the shoes he wants. Given what the shoes represent—a lifestyle characterized by something beyond mere necessity—this is significant in and of itself.

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“Thank you M’am” by Lanston Hughes Literary Critique Essay

Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones has an unusual response to being assaulted by Roger. Do you think her response is purposeful? If so, what is she trying to do? Is she successful?

It is indisputable that no one likes thieves of robbers. For peaceful and harmonious existence within societies, many people are called upon to fight various vices, theft and assault inclusive. Hughes’ short story aims at promoting actions of individuals within societies in a bid to eliminating various vices especially in respect to stealing and assaulting others.

Nonetheless, from the story, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones acts unusually with respect to being assaulted by Roger. It is unusual for an individual to treat another person especially one engaged in assault or stealing the way Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones treats Roger after the incident.

This is only possible within a virtual world and not in reality. In reality, it would be expected that such individuals should be disciplined without any mercy. After all, charity begins at home no wonder, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones says, “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?” (Hughes).

From the perspective of the whole story, there is no doubt that Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones’ response was purposeful. A purposeful response usually aims at changing the behavior of an individual without inflicting any pain. If pain was inflicted on Roger then it would have been difficult for him to change positively.

In any case, inflicting pain on a child leads to increased intimidation and fear hence making it difficult to change his behavior. Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones treats Roger positively thus creating a room for him to change his behavior. While creating a favorable environment, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones ensures that Roger changes his behavior.

She asserts that, “Well, you didn’t have to snatch my pocketbook to get some suede shoes,” said Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. “You could of asked me.” (Hughes). This means that she is liberal and understands the plight of children hence her response was purposeful. In addition, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones says that, “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 be devilish like that will burn your feet. I got to get my rest now. But I wish you would behave yourself, son, from here on in” (Hughes). In this regards, despite the assault she received from the boy, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones acts positively in changing the behavior of Roger.

Through Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones’ purposeful response, she aims at creating an environment where Roger can change his behavior without any intimidation. Her aim was to change Roger’s behavior without inflicting pain on the child. Even though many people believe in punishments that inflict pain on wrong-doers, it is obvious from the story that other modes of punishment may be effective.

In any case, the story outlines the fact that most wrong-doers engage in various unwarranted behaviors due to their status in life. For instance, Roger is engaged in stealing and assaulting Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones since he wanted suede shoes but had no means of achieving the need. In conclusion, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones is very successful in changing the behavior of Roger.

Works Cited

Hughes, Lanston. Thank you M’am. South Croydon, London: Creative Education, 1991.

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IvyPanda. (2020, April 28). "Thank you M’am" by Lanston Hughes Literary Critique. https://ivypanda.com/essays/thank-you-mam-by-lanston-hughes-literary-critique/

""Thank you M’am" by Lanston Hughes Literary Critique." IvyPanda , 28 Apr. 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/thank-you-mam-by-lanston-hughes-literary-critique/.

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IvyPanda . 2020. ""Thank you M’am" by Lanston Hughes Literary Critique." April 28, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/thank-you-mam-by-lanston-hughes-literary-critique/.

1. IvyPanda . ""Thank you M’am" by Lanston Hughes Literary Critique." April 28, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/thank-you-mam-by-lanston-hughes-literary-critique/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . ""Thank you M’am" by Lanston Hughes Literary Critique." April 28, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/thank-you-mam-by-lanston-hughes-literary-critique/.

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Thank You, M’am

Langston hughes, everything you need for every book you read., roger quotes in thank you, m’am.

“You ought to be my son. I would teach you right from wrong.”

“[…] Are you hungry?”

“No’m,” said the being-dragged boy. “I just want you to turn me loose.”

“Was I bothering you when I turned that corner?” asked the woman.

“But you put yourself in contact with me ,” said the woman. “If you think that contact is not going to last awhile, you got another thought coming. When I get through with you, sir, you are going to remember Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones.”

“Then, Roger, you go to that sink and wash your face,” said the woman, whereupon she turned him loose — at last. Roger looked at the door — looked at the woman — looked at the door — and went to the sink .

“I believe you’re hungry — or been hungry — to try to snatch my pocketbook!”

“I want a pair of blue suede shoes,” said the boy.

The door was open. He could make a dash for it down the hall. He could run, run, run, run!

The woman was sitting on the daybed. After a while she said, “I were young once and I wanted things I could not get.”

“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.” Pause. Silence. “I have done things, too, which I would not tell you, son — neither tell God, if He didn’t already know. Everybody’s got something in common. So you set down while I fix us something to eat. You might run that comb through your hair so you will look presentable.”

But the boy took care to sit on the far side of the room, away from the purse, 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.

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’s else’s – because shoes got by devilish ways will burn your feet.

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 […]