In "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes, the main characters are Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones and Roger. Mrs. Jones is a strong, compassionate woman who works hard and demonstrates kindness and wisdom, particularly when she encounters Roger attempting to steal her purse. Roger is a young boy who is struggling with his circumstances and learns valuable lessons about trust and respect through his interaction with Mrs. Jones. Their relationship highlights themes of compassion, redemption, and the impact of nurturing guidance.
To have pride in himself.
Mrs. Jones and Roger meet when Roger attempts to steal her purse. After catching him in the act, Mrs. Jones decides to take him to her home instead of turning him in, demonstrating compassion and understanding. This unexpected encounter leads to a conversation where she shares her own experiences and offers him guidance, ultimately forming a bond between the two.
Roger needs some money to buy shoes. He tries to steal the lady's purse but she grabs him. Instead of punishing him, she brings him home, feeds him, washes him, and gives him $10 for shoes. She forgives him because she can relate to what he is going through.
During their meal, Mrs. Jones and Roger engage in a conversation about his life and the choices he has made. She shows him kindness and understanding, asking about his situation and encouraging him to make better decisions. Their dialogue emphasizes themes of trust, compassion, and the impact of personal relationships on one's life. Mrs. Jones aims to instill a sense of hope and responsibility in Roger.
He is very daring at first because he takes the risk of stealing the woman's purse, but then gets shy and secretive towards his past when the woman asks him to tell her about his past. He is also a nervous wreck when the woman tells him that she might turn him in jail and wanted to charge out the door at the woman's (Mrs. Jones) house.
The characters are Mrs. Jones and Roger
To have pride in himself.
He is frightened of Mrs. Jones.
Mrs. Jones and Roger meet when Roger attempts to steal her purse. After catching him in the act, Mrs. Jones decides to take him to her home instead of turning him in, demonstrating compassion and understanding. This unexpected encounter leads to a conversation where she shares her own experiences and offers him guidance, ultimately forming a bond between the two.
In "Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes, the author uses elements such as characterization, dialogue, and conflict. The characters, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones and Roger, are well-developed through their actions and words. The dialogue between the characters reveals their motivations and feelings. Finally, the conflict between Mrs. Jones and Roger drives the plot forward and leads to a resolution.
Roger's anticipation to get shoes he knows he can't afford.
Roger needs some money to buy shoes. He tries to steal the lady's purse but she grabs him. Instead of punishing him, she brings him home, feeds him, washes him, and gives him $10 for shoes. She forgives him because she can relate to what he is going through.
Mrs. Jones was wise to trust Roger because he showed genuine remorse for attempting to steal from her and expressed a desire to improve his life. By giving him the chance to earn the money instead of turning him in, Mrs. Jones showed compassion and understanding, which ultimately helped Roger learn from his mistake and better himself. Trusting him not only allowed Roger to redeem himself but also allowed Mrs. Jones to make a positive impact on his life.
Immediately after Roger grabs Mrs. Jones's purse, she confronts him and instead of reacting with anger or calling the police, she takes him to her home to have a serious conversation about his actions. This unexpected response surprises Roger and leads to a deeper understanding and connection between the two characters.
It is when Mrs. Jones takes care of Roger. She feeds him and lets him wash his face and gives him money.
The internal conflict in "Thank You, Ma'am" is between Mrs. Jones's desire to teach and help Roger learn from his mistakes while also balancing her own feelings of frustration and disappointment at his attempted theft. She grapples with whether to punish him or show him kindness and understanding.
The falling action in "Thank You, Ma'am" occurs after Mrs. Jones gives Roger money for his shoes and they part ways. Roger reflects on the encounter and the kindness shown to him by Mrs. Jones, prompting him to express gratitude and reveal more about himself to her.