An Analysis Of "Thank You Ma'am", a Simple Story about Second Chances and How It Should Be given as Written by Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes, one of the world’s most renowned poets, was identified for his literary art of jazz poetry in the course of the Harlem Renaissance. He was a social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist. He attended Lincoln University to study African American Life and History. His most renowned brief story was “Thank You Ma’am”.

“Thank You Ma’am” is a story that does not reveal the setting, but there are clues that Langston gives the reader an notion. Hughes published this story in 1958, which indicates that throughout that time, blacks and whites were nonetheless segregated. Mrs. Jones works in a beauty shop that serves diverse ladies. This would most probably occur in the North due to the fact in the South, African American ladies would not be capable to secure a job like that. Roger also mentioned that he wanted some blue suede shoes, which is a reference to Elvis Presley. He had a song entitled “Blues Suede Shoes” which was well-liked in the 1950s.

There are only two characters in this story a teenager named and Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. Roger is the antagonist and Mrs. Jones is the protagonist.

“Thank You Ma’am is told in third particular person point of view simply because a person else is the narrator.

Langston Hughes reveals Mrs. Jones as a robust that takes no nonsense, but is not judgmental. She is type-hearted in spite of her look.

This story starts with Mrs. Jones walking by herself at night when Roger came alone and snatched her purse. This is the external conflict in the story. Prior to he could take off, he ends up falling. Mrs. Jones takes Roger to her residence to clean up his face and get him some to eat. She also provides him money to acquire the footwear he wanted.

“Thank You Ma’am” is a single of the a lot more simple stories, but it has so considerably impact on a reader. This story is a prime instance of second possibilities and how it must provided