In Langston Hughes’ short story “Thank You, M’am” there are a number of implied themes. Why would the author imply the themes instead of stating them explicitly? By implying theme, the author allows the actions, thoughts, and emotions of the characters to teach a moral lesson. In addition, the setting of the story often contributes to theme, as it does in this story.
In “Thank You, M’am” the themes of kindness and trustworthiness are demonstrated by the actions of both Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones and Roger. Roger attempts to steal Mrs. Jones purse but she thwarts his actions. Instead of taking punitive action against him, she takes him to her home, where they come to an understanding of each other’s situations. She sees him as a product of his environment, and he learns that she is a hard-working, reliable woman who sees potential in him.
The woman said, “Um-hum! You thought I was going to say but, didn’t you? You thought I was going to say, but I didn’t snatch people’s pocketbooks. Well, I wasn’t going to say that.” Pause. Silence. “I have done things, too, which I would not tell you, son—neither tell God, if he didn’t already know. So you set down while I fix us something to eat. You might run that comb through your hair so you will look presentable.”
The setting contributes to the theme of rising above poverty. The action occurs late in the evening on the streets of Harlem, and in a single room of a boarding house. The setting provides background and breathes life into the character’s actions. Mrs. Jones’ works late catering to the clientele of a hotel beauty shop, while Roger allows his poverty to reduce him to petty thievery.
Therefore, in his story, Langston Hughes uses the actions of his characters and the setting of the story to develop theme. He allows the reader to become emotionally involved with the characters, and teaches them about the consequences of social inequity.
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