Thank You, M'am by Langston Hughes
"Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes is a poignant short story that explores themes of compassion, trust, and the complexities of human relationships. Set in a deserted urban environment, the narrative begins with a confrontation between Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, a strong and assertive woman, and Roger, a young boy who attempts to steal her purse. Instead of reacting with anger, Mrs. Jones takes the opportunity to teach Roger a lesson about respect and responsibility.
Throughout the story, Hughes delves into the backgrounds of both characters, revealing their vulnerabilities and shared experiences. Mrs. Jones, while initially seen as a victim, transforms into a nurturing figure who understands the struggles of youth. Roger, faced with a choice, ultimately chooses to engage positively rather than escape. Their interaction culminates in a moment of unexpected generosity when Mrs. Jones gives Roger money for the shoes he desires, highlighting the story’s message about kindness and second chances.
This narrative encourages readers to reflect on the impact of empathy and the importance of guidance in the lives of young people, making it a timeless exploration of human connection.
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Thank You, M'am by Langston Hughes
First published: 1958
Type of plot: Sketch
Time of work: The 1950's
Locale: An American city
Principal Characters:
Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones , a large womanRoger , a fourteen-or fifteen-year-old purse snatcher
The Story
It is eleven o'clock at night as a large woman carrying a large purse slung over her shoulder walks down a deserted city street. Suddenly a boy dashes behind her and with one tug jerks the purse from her. Its weight throws him off balance and he falls, legs flying up. The woman calmly kicks him.
Pulling the boy up by his shirt and shaking him, the large woman demands that he return her pocketbook. When she asks if he is ashamed, the boy finally speaks. He answers yes and also denies that he meant to snatch the purse. Not deceived, the woman tells him that he lies, discovers that he has no one at home, and drags him off. Frightened, the boy begs to be released, but the woman simply announces her name: Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. The now sweating boy struggles desperately but finds the woman's half nelson difficult to resist.
As they enter her furnished room, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones leaves the door open. She asks the boy's name; he replies that it is Roger. Calling him by name, she tells him to wash his face, then turns him loose—at last. Roger looks at the open door and looks at the large woman; he chooses to wash.
When the woman asks if he took her money because of hunger, the boy replies that he wanted blue suede shoes. The woman only says that she has done things that she would tell no one. Then, leaving him alone by her purse and the open door, she steps behind a screen to warm lima beans and ham on her gas plate. The boy does not run; he does not want to be mistrusted.
While they eat, the woman asks no questions but talks of her work on the late shift at a hotel beauty shop. After they share her small cake, she gives the boy ten dollars for some blue suede shoes and asks him to leave because she needs her rest.
Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones leads Roger to the barren stoop and says that she hopes he behaves himself. He barely manages to say thank you before the large woman shuts the door. He never sees her again.
Bibliography
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Cooper, Floyd. Coming Home: From the Life of Langston Hughes. New York: Philomel Books, 1994.
Harper, Donna Sullivan. Not So Simple: The "Simple" Stories by Langston Hughes. Columbia: University of Missouri Press, 1995.
Haskins, James. Always Movin' On: The Life of Langston Hughes. Trenton, N.J.: Africa World Press, 1993.
Hokanson, Robert O'Brien. "Jazzing It Up: The Be-bop Modernism of Langston Hughes." Mosaic 31 (December, 1998): 61-82.
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Rampersad, Arnold. The Life of Langston Hughes. 2 vols. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002.
Tracy, Steven C., ed. A Historical Guide to Langston Hughes. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004.