Thank you m’am answer key unlocks the captivating narrative of Langston Hughes’ “Thank You, M’am,” a poignant exploration of compassion, transformation, and social commentary.
This literary masterpiece delves into the complexities of human nature, examining the transformative power of kindness and the enduring struggle against societal inequalities.
Story Summary
In “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes, a young boy named Roger tries to steal a purse from a large, elderly woman, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. However, instead of reporting him to the police, Mrs. Jones takes Roger home, feeds him, and gives him money.
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Roger is initially confused and resentful, but he eventually comes to appreciate Mrs. Jones’s kindness. The story ends with Roger promising to “be a better boy” and to never steal again.
Main Characters
- Roger: A young boy who tries to steal a purse.
- Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones: A large, elderly woman who takes Roger home and feeds him.
Central Conflict
The central conflict of the story is between Roger’s desire to steal and Mrs. Jones’s desire to help him.
Resolution
The resolution of the story comes when Roger realizes that Mrs. Jones is not going to report him to the police and that she genuinely wants to help him. Roger promises to “be a better boy” and to never steal again.
Character Analysis
Roger, the protagonist of “Thank You Ma’am,” is a complex and multifaceted character. His motivations, fears, and transformation are central to the story’s message of compassion and understanding.
Motivations
- Hunger and desperation: Roger steals Mrs. Jones’s purse out of sheer necessity. He is hungry and in need of money to buy food.
- Fear of authority: Roger is initially terrified of Mrs. Jones because she is a large and imposing woman. He believes that she will punish him severely for stealing her purse.
Fears
- Rejection: Roger is afraid of being rejected by Mrs. Jones. He believes that she will not believe his story and will turn him over to the police.
- Abandonment: Roger is also afraid of being abandoned by Mrs. Jones. He has been abandoned by his parents and does not want to be alone.
Transformation
Over the course of the story, Roger undergoes a significant transformation. He learns to trust Mrs. Jones and to believe in himself. He also learns the importance of compassion and understanding.
Roger’s transformation is evident in the way he speaks to Mrs. Jones. At first, he is rude and disrespectful. However, as he begins to trust her, he becomes more polite and respectful.
Roger’s transformation is also evident in the way he behaves. At first, he is afraid of Mrs. Jones and tries to run away from her. However, as he begins to trust her, he becomes more cooperative and helpful.
Roger’s transformation is a testament to the power of compassion and understanding. Mrs. Jones’s kindness and understanding help Roger to overcome his fears and to become a better person.
Theme and Symbolism
Langston Hughes’ “Thank You, M’am” explores themes of poverty, compassion, and the power of human connection. These themes are developed through the interactions of the characters, the setting, and the use of symbolism.
Characters
The story’s main characters, Mrs. Jones and Roger, represent contrasting socioeconomic backgrounds. Mrs. Jones is a strong and independent woman who has overcome poverty, while Roger is a young boy who is struggling to make ends meet. Their interaction highlights the importance of compassion and the power of human connection in bridging social divides.
Setting
The story is set in a poor neighborhood, which symbolizes the challenges and struggles faced by many people in society. The dilapidated buildings and the lack of opportunities in the area contribute to the sense of hopelessness and despair that many characters feel.
Symbolism
Hughes uses symbolism throughout the story to convey deeper meanings. The shoes that Roger steals represent his desire for a better life, while the money that Mrs. Jones gives him symbolizes her compassion and hope for his future.
Social Commentary
In “Thank You, Ma’am,” Hughes delves into the pressing social issues of his time, particularly those surrounding poverty, race, and social inequality. Through the poignant portrayal of Roger’s character and his encounter with Mrs. Jones, Hughes offers a nuanced exploration of these societal ills.
Poverty
Poverty is a central theme in the story. Roger, a young boy from a poor neighborhood, is driven to steal a purse out of desperation. Hughes vividly depicts the harsh realities of poverty, such as the lack of opportunities and the struggle to meet basic needs.
- Roger’s ragged clothes and hunger illustrate the material deprivation he faces.
- The absence of a father figure in his life suggests the broken family structures often associated with poverty.
- Mrs. Jones’s initial hesitation to give Roger money highlights the distrust and fear that can exist between different socioeconomic classes.
Race
Race is another significant aspect of the story. Roger is an African American boy, and Mrs. Jones is a white woman. Hughes uses their interaction to explore the racial tensions and prejudices prevalent in society.
- Roger’s initial fear of Mrs. Jones stems from the negative stereotypes and fear of white authority figures.
- Mrs. Jones’s willingness to help Roger challenges these stereotypes and shows the possibility of跨种族understanding.
- The story’s title, “Thank You, Ma’am,” reflects Roger’s newfound respect and gratitude for Mrs. Jones, transcending racial boundaries.
Social Inequality
Hughes also critiques the social inequality that perpetuates poverty and racial discrimination. The story highlights the power imbalance between Mrs. Jones, a respected and financially secure woman, and Roger, a vulnerable and marginalized youth.
- Mrs. Jones’s ability to provide Roger with food, shelter, and guidance represents the privileges afforded to those in positions of power.
- Roger’s desperate act of stealing reflects the limited opportunities available to those at the bottom of the social hierarchy.
- The story suggests that true social justice requires addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality.
Language and Style
The language and style used in “Thank You, Ma’am” contribute significantly to the story’s overall impact. The author, Langston Hughes, employs a simple and direct writing style that is accessible to readers of all ages.
Dialogue, Thank you m’am answer key
The story is largely driven by dialogue between the characters. Hughes uses dialogue to create a sense of realism and immediacy, and to reveal the characters’ thoughts and feelings.
Figurative Language
Hughes also uses figurative language to create vivid images and to convey the characters’ emotions. For example, he describes the boy’s eyes as “big and full of tears” and the woman’s face as “hard and cold.”
Sentence Structure
Hughes uses a variety of sentence structures to create different effects. He uses short, simple sentences to convey a sense of urgency, and longer, more complex sentences to create a sense of atmosphere.
Overall Impact
The language and style used in “Thank You, Ma’am” combine to create a powerful and moving story. The simple language makes the story accessible to readers of all ages, while the use of dialogue, figurative language, and sentence structure creates a sense of realism and immediacy.
FAQ Overview: Thank You M’am Answer Key
What is the main conflict in “Thank You, M’am”?
The central conflict revolves around Roger’s internal struggle between his initial impulse to steal and his eventual realization of the kindness and compassion shown to him by Mrs. Jones.
How does Mrs. Jones’ character symbolize hope and redemption?
Mrs. Jones represents a beacon of hope for Roger, offering him a chance to break free from his troubled past and embrace a more positive future.
What is the significance of the shoes in the story?
The shoes symbolize Roger’s desire for a better life and his hope for a brighter future, which is ultimately fulfilled through Mrs. Jones’ act of kindness.
