About Author
James Mercer Langston Houges (1901–1967) was an eminent American poet, novelist, playwright, short story writer, social activist, and columnist from Joplin, Missouri. He was a pioneer of jazz poetry and emerged as a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance describing the era as when Harlem was in vogue. He was of mixed ancestry, like many African Americans.
He settled in New York City, where he got admitted into Columbia University and soon gained literary recognition, starting with his acclaimed poetry collection The Weary Blues (1926). He graduated from Lincoln University. Hughes also wrote plays, novels, and essays. From 1942 to 1962, contributed a weekly column to The Chicago Defender and gave insights during the rise of the civil rights movement.
His popular works include Poetry: Fine Clothes to the Jews, Dear Lovely Death, The Dream Keeper, and other poems, and Let America Be America Again. His famous plays are Mule Bone, Mulatto, Trouble Island with William Grant Still, and Little Ham. His remarkable novels and short stories are: Not without Laughter, The Ways of White Folks, Simple Speaks His Mind, Simple Takes a Wife, and Something in Common and other stories.
Summary
Thank You M’am, a timeless story of human kindness and redemption. This 1958, story centers on a compassionate woman (Mrs Luellla Bates Washington Jones) and a destitute teenager (Roger). It reflects a picture of a society where children have the challenge of poverty that leads them to commit the crimes of lie, theft, robbery, and loss of morals is common.
The story takes us into a dark street at midnight where we find a fourteen or fifteen-year-old frail boy in his tennis shoes and blue jeans. His face reveals the marks of hunger, lack of stability, and poverty. He attempts to snatch the purse of a large woman but fails to maintain his balance and tumbles to the sidewalk.
His teeth start rattling in fear of catching. Instead of annoyance, the woman dragged him on the road and took him to her home. There she directed him to wash up his dirty face and comb his hair so that he might look fresh and presentable. She serves the boy a piece of cake to eat and asks him the cause of this wrong action.
From him, she learns that the boy intends to purchase a pair of blue suede shoes. There was no one at his home to teach him right and wrong. In spite of admonishing the boy, she shares her own past with him. She confesses that she yearns for her own favorite things too but could not do them unlawfully.
By the end of their brief meeting, she gave him ten dollars to buy blue suede shoes for himself. She was intelligent, sane, and a good psychologist. She wanted to teach the boy the difference between right and wrong. She, therefore, made the boy realize that an act of theft would blemish his character. Thus she proved all caring and doting towards the boy.
The story leaves a powerful message to the audience that through beneficence and benevolence, we can guide young people towards good actions and morality. Thus, we can save them from being spoilt.The woman told the boy the difference between right and wrong in a sympathetic manner.
The boy was greatly impressed by the kind behavior of the lady. He pledges her to behave like a gentleman in the future. The woman also told the boy that she, too, wanted so many things in her youth she would not have but she never tried to steal or snatch things from people like that. The woman called the boy her own son.
Characters of the story
- Mrs Luella Bates Washington Jones: She is a middle-aged, compassionate, emphatic, kind, and good-natured woman. She is also a strong and generous lady who offers 10 dollars to the boy to buy his favorite shoes.
- Roger: A fourteen / fifteen-year-old boy. He is physically frail and weak. Belonging to the destitute family, he is fearful and desperate, but redeemable. He learns goodness out of wickedness.
The theme of Thank You M’am
Houges’ Thank You M’am discovers the theme of kindness, poverty, morality, forgiveness, and transformation from criminal actions to good ones. Through compassion and emphatic nature, one can lead people to change their ways more effectively rather than condemnation and punishment. Mrs Jones with her kind and generous nature influences the boy towards the better choice.
The story also focuses on the second choice of redemption. Rather than considering the boy a criminal and punishing him severely, she guides the boy to redeem his actions and teaches him a good lesson of kindness. Thank You M’am also explains the effects of poverty and moral challenges. Roger’s attempt of theft out of lack of resources suggests that less resources lead people to make poor decisions.
Analysis of the story
Thank You, M’am deals with the complex themes of empathy, poverty, morality, compassion, and personal change in a brief encounter between two characters. This simple story sheds light on social issues and the power of human kindness that encourages readers to look far beyond appearances and circumstances to find the humanity within.
1. Character Development
There are two characters Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones and Roge. Both the characters counter each other, with different life experiences and personalities. Mrs. Jones is a middle-aged, confident, and disciplined woman, with her own struggles and hardships of life shaped her sturdy moral compass.
She was a large woman with a large purse that had everything in it but hammer and nails. It had a long strap, and she carried it slung across her shoulder.
Roger, in contrast, is a young, insecure, and shy poor individual who faces the challenges of poverty and social isolation. His actions are driven not by malice but by frustration and a youthful impulsive nature. Their encounter provides insight into their personalities and backgrounds.
He looked as if he were fourteen or fifteen, frail and willow-wild, in tennis shoes and blue jeans.
Mrs. Jones understands human frailty and forgiveness, willing to empathize with Roger, despite his attempt to snatch her purse. Roger, with his lack of guidance and unfamiliarity with compassion, makes him fearful initially and surprised later at Mrs. Jones’s kindness, reflecting how his circumstances have affected his perception of people and life.
2. Empathy and Compassion
Empathy and compassion are the core elements of this story. Instead of showing anger or condemnation, Mrs. Jones showcases kindness and tries to understand Roger’s intentions. She identifies Roger’s attempt of theft as a product of his difficult situation rather than wickedness. This approach leads her to reach Roger in a better way than punishment.
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?
By taking the boy into her home, serving him a meal, and handing him the money he wants, Mrs. Jones set an example of an unusual kindness that a society might not expect from someone in her position. It suggests that this empathy and understanding rather than judgment is life-changing. The boy is deeply moved by her actions and experiences symbolized by his silence but heartfelt gratitude as he leaves her home.
3. Dignity and Redemption
The dignity in the story is maintained and restored through acts of kindness and respect. Mrs. Jones restores his sense of dignity by treating him as a worthy person. She also acknowledges his desires and needs as valid. For Roger, this restoration of dignity gives a sense of self-worth that he is lacking. In this way, Mrs. Jones by offering him a form of redemption allows him to see himself as a new person.
4. Social Commentary on Poverty and Youth
Hughes comments on the impact of poverty and lack of support on young people. Roger’s thought of theft is driven by need and the desire to fit in is a common reality for many who struggle with poverty. Through Mrs. Jones’ actions, Hughes emphasizes the importance of community and the responsibility individuals have to one another, especially to those who may lack stable family support.
5. Symbolism and Message
The act of giving Roger ten dollars to buy blue suede shoes is symbolic. By giving him the money to buy what he wants, she shows him that his desires are legitimate and achievable in ways other than theft. This act of generosity is a powerful message of trust and hope, suggesting that even small acts of kindness can have profound and lasting impacts.
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
The purse also serves as a symbol. It represented temptation and desperation at the start of the story as Roger attempts to steal it. By the end, it represents a challenge to overcome his impulsive desire, a reminder of Mrs. Jones’s trust in him. Symbolism: The purse symbolizes both temptation and opportunity. For Roger, it initially represents something to take, but by the end, it symbolizes Mrs. Jones’s trust and a chance to change.
Use of Literary Devices
Irony
Mrs. Jones’ act of dragging Roger into her home and after that her help and care for the boy looks ironic. Her kindness leads to a surprising and positive transformation.
Dialogue
The simple and natural dialogue between Mrs. Jones and Roger explicits their personalities, backgrounds, and emotional transformation that adds depth to their relationship.
Imagery
Roger’s dirty face and the rattle of his teeth are vivid descriptions that emphasize his vulnerability and poverty. It urges readers to sympathize with him.
Theme
Hughes’ story explores the themes of compassion, trust, redemption, and the effects of kindness. It reflects broader social issues such as poverty and the need for positive role models.
Questions and Answers
What was the time when the boy tried to snatch the purse of the woman?
It was around eleven o’clock at night when the boy tried to snatch the purse of the woman.
What happened to the boy when he tried to snatch the purse?
When the boy tried to snatch the purse of the woman, he gave a tug the purse. The strap of the purse broke. The boy lost his balance and fell onto the sidewalk.
What was the reaction of the woman?
The woman turned around at once and kicked the boy in his jeans. She then firmly held the boy by his shirt and jerked. The boy’s teeth began to rattle.
What was the conduct of the people who saw the incident?
Those who saw the incident stopped for a moment and watched this unpleasant affair generally. The passers-by were indifferent to all this.
How did the boy look physically?
The boy was fourteen or fifteen. He was in his tennis shoes and blue jeans. Physically, he looked feeble and frail and had a dirty face.
What was the condition of the boy when the woman gave him a few jerks?
When the woman gave the boy a few jerks, his teeth began to rattle because of fear. He was helpless, so he did not try to run.
Why did the woman ask the boy to wash his face?
The woman asked the boy to wash his face so that he might look fresh and presentable. His face was dirty.
Why didn’t the boy run from the house of the woman?
The woman was very kind to the boy. She gave him food and money to buy shoes. The boy did not run from the house of the woman as he did not want to be mistrusted by her.
Why didn’t the woman watch the boy while preparing a dish?
The woman moralized him with her good manners. She was confident that the boy would not run. Moreover, she also wanted to show the boy that she had trust in him.
What was the nature of the woman’s job?
She was an employee in a hotel beauty parlor which stayed open late at night. She would cut the hair of every kind of woman.
What was the effect of the behavior of the woman on the boy?
The boy was greatly impressed by the kind behavior of the woman. He also promised to behave well in the future. He knew the difference between the right and the wrong.
Why did she treat the boy nicely in her home after punishing him in the street?
The woman punished the boy in the street for his gross guilt. She treated the boy nicely at home because she wanted to impress him with her kind behavior and make him noble. The boy was really impressed by her conduct and changed himself from wrong to right.
About the Author
