Thank You Ma’am Langston Hughes

Jacob Diaz

Professor Pincolini

English 102

14 May 2018

Help Wanted

In the short story ‘Thank You Ma’am’ Langston Hughes examines the interaction between Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones and Roger. It tells the reader the image of goodness and how it remains to be a personal decision. In the story Rodger, learns that life is hard for everyone, being poor doesn’t mean you should make poor decisions, and that people can generous if you have a real need. Mrs. Jones tries to show Rodger that it is not everyone should be punished for their actions, but instead letting it be a teachable moment.

In the short story, one of the themes that stood out was trust and how it is used with Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. Even though Roger has victimized her for attempting to steal her purse, she completely trusts Rodger. She did not think nothing bad of him but instead she thought if it as a blessing.  Mrs. Jones thought Rodger was harmless and even brings him to her home. Hughes is trying to tell the reader that Roger’s personality is not just seen as a thief but rather as an individual who is misguided through his young journey and needs to be given an opportunity to enjoy the things in life. Mrs. Jones goes out to trust the boy completely and provide Roger an opportunity for redemption.

Hughes also tells the reader that Rodger has freedom and honor from Mrs. Jones. This can be seen when Mrs. Jones tries to help the boy who tried to steal from her. In particular, honor can be seen when she asked for the boy’s name. She wanted to communicate with Roger of whom she is and just have that open communication with him. Even if society dictates that the actions of Roger, the woman still chooses to understand his point of view beyond the crime he had committed. Hughes tries to demonstrate the freedom that the woman has given Rodger and also highlights that even though he had just tried to steal from her, her choice to still remain to be with him.

The themes through out the story do seem to be a moment where Rodger can learn from his mistakes. The lesson that Hughes tries to reflect on is the values and kindness of Mrs. Jones by doing what she believes is right not what should be done. Instead of labeling Roger as a criminal, instead she sees him as a boy who needs guidance and help from an adult. Maybe Mrs. Jones never had an opportunity to guide someone and she decided to take a risk with Rodger. When she says “ If ought to be my son. I would teach you right from wrong”(Hughes 173). Even if Hughes does not provide a way to see this, he highlighted the significance of the choices and lessons that Mrs. Jones gives to Rodger.

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