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Thank You Ma Am Analysis

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If a thieving stranger had snatched your purse, would you offer him dinner? Themes are important story elements that help the reader understand the central idea of a story. They can vary based on their genre and setting of the story. "Thank You M 'am is a fiction piece, written by Langston Hughes. It is about an elderly woman, who 's purse is almost stolen by a troubled teenager, wanting to buy a pair of blue suede shoes. It shows how kindness could change people for the better, and that making the right decisions could benefit many. The theme in the story, "Thank You M 'am" is about making decisions for the greater good. Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones had a choice between turning Roger into the police, or taking him to her …show more content…

Luella Bates Washington Jones could 've left Roger to go home hungry, without any friends or family, although she decides to shelter him, clean his face, and feed him. The text states, “Um-hum! And your face is dirty. I got a great mind to wash your face for you. Ain’t you got nobody home to tell you to wash your face?” In this quote, Mrs. Luella is showing a large amount of compassion to the teenager, firstly forgiving him immediately, and then offering to clean him up, right after he was about to rob her. Moreover, Mrs. Luella is showing great affection towards Roger, as she could’ve left him on the street, hungry and lonely, although she offers him to visit her household, and wash up. Additionally, the text states, ""The woman said, “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?” This quote is explaining that Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones is trying to compromise with Roger, giving him permission to wash his face, and asking if he is hungry. Mrs. Luella Bates Washington is acting like a caring mother, saying that she would teach Roger right from wrong. She is questioning him, and asking him if he was hungry, and allowing him to freshen up. In conclusion, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones’s actions will allow Roger to feel welcome, and her words would make Roger reflect on his past

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