The question of whether you enjoyed reading Langston Hughes’ story “Thank You, M’am” asks you to state an opinion. You would consider the emotions the story invokes in you while reading it before deciding whether you found the story enjoyable. After forming and stating your opinion, you would note story details you found pleasing. If you do not like the story, you would state your negative opinion and support it.
In my opinion, the story is enjoyable because it shows human compassion and understanding. After Roger attempts to steal Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones’ pocketbook she could have chosen to seek police intervention, instead she sees something of herself in Roger. She sees a young man who is a product of his difficult upbringing and environment, which she can identify with. She takes it upon herself to teach Roger a lesson in trust by confiding in him, feeding him, and giving him chances to prove himself to be trustworthy. For the short time they spend together, Roger meets Mrs. Jones’ expectations.
She shows Roger the ultimate kindness when she hands him the money for the shoes he wants so badly he reduced himself to stealing. Although Roger’s future is not revealed to the reader, it is evident Mrs. Jones would like to see her kindness carry over in his future decision making. For his part, Roger is rendered nearly speechless in his gratitude. The idea that one act of kindness can make a change in someone’s life makes this story appealing to me.
The boy wanted to say something else other than “Thank you, m’am” to Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, but he couldn’t do so as he turned at the barren stoop and looked back at the large woman in the door. He barely managed to say “Thank you” before she shut the door. And he never saw her again.
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