Themes In Thank You Ma'am

Empathy, Kindness, and Penalisation

Langston Hughes's "Thank You, M'am" tells the story of a young boy, Roger, who meets an older woman, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, while attempting to steal her bag. When Roger is initially confronted by the firm and imposing Mrs. Jones, he clearly believes he will be punished for his law-breaking; indeed, she takes him in manus, kicks him "foursquare in the blue-jeaned sitter," and shakes him "until his teeth rattled." Yet it…

read analysis of Empathy, Kindness, and Punishment

Family, Community, and Home

"Cheers, G'am" narrates the events of one nighttime for Roger, a young boy, and Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, the older woman he attempts to rob. Rather than reporting Roger to the police or have other legal action, Mrs. Jones offers the boy motherly guidance and a temporary home. Her unexpected pick can exist read through the historical background of the story'south implied setting: Hughes was a central figure in the early…

read analysis of Family, Community, and Abode

Choice vs. Circumstance

"Thanks, M'am" demonstrates that individuals brand better choices—and even become more than upstanding, more moral people—when they are honest almost their shortcomings and mistakes. A more stereotypical, less nuanced version of this story might take blamed or excused Roger's attempted theft of Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones'due south purse on his income, race, or class. Instead, through observing the series of decisions made by Roger and Mrs. Jones, Hughes's story presents a more complex…

read analysis of Choice vs. Circumstance