Thank You Ma’am – Langston Hughes

Summary

Late one night, a boy named Roger tries to steal the purse of Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, a large, strong woman. Instead of handing him over to the police, Mrs. Jones takes him to her home, makes him wash his face, feeds him, and talks to him kindly but firmly about right and wrong. Roger admits he wanted money to buy blue suede shoes. Mrs. Jones, showing both discipline and compassion, gives him ten dollars to buy the shoes and advises him never to steal again. Roger, deeply moved by her unexpected kindness, can only manage to say “Thank you, ma’am” before leaving.

ലാങ്സ്റ്റൺ ഹ്യൂസിന്റെ Thank You, Ma’am എന്ന കഥയിൽ, റോജർ എന്ന ബാലൻ രാത്രി വൈകി ലുവെല്ലാ ബേറ്റ്സ് വാഷിംഗ്ടൺ ജോൺസ് എന്ന സ്ത്രീയുടെ പേഴ്സ് പിടിക്കാൻ ശ്രമിക്കുന്നു. പക്ഷേ അവൻ വീണു പിടിക്കപ്പെടുന്നു. ജോൺസ് അവനെ വീട്ടിലേക്ക് കൊണ്ടുപോയി മുഖം കഴുകാൻ പറഞ്ഞു, ഭക്ഷണം കൊടുത്തു. സംസാരത്തിനിടയിൽ റോജർ പറഞ്ഞത്, തനിക്ക് നീല സ്യൂഡ് ഷൂസ് വേണമെന്നതിനാലാണ് പേഴ്സ് പിടിക്കാൻ ശ്രമിച്ചതെന്ന്. ജോൺസ് അവനെ ശാസിക്കുകയും, കരുണ കാണിക്കുകയും, ഒടുവിൽ പത്ത് ഡോളർ നൽകി ഷൂസ് വാങ്ങാൻ പറയുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു. അവൾ പോലീസിൽ ഏൽപ്പിക്കാതെ, വിശ്വാസവും കരുണയും കാണിച്ച് ശരിയായ വഴിയിലേക്ക് തിരിച്ചു വിടുന്നു. ഈ കഥ നമ്മെ പഠിപ്പിക്കുന്നത്, കരുണയും വിശ്വാസവും ഒരാളുടെ ജീവിതം മാറ്റാൻ കഴിയും എന്നതാണ്.

Short Notes

25 Short Notes

1. Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones is a large, strong woman.
2. She carries a heavy purse with a long strap.
3. It is late at night, around eleven o’clock.
4. Roger, a teenage boy, tries to snatch her purse.
5. The strap breaks, and Roger falls on the sidewalk.
6. Mrs. Jones catches him firmly by his shirt.
7. She shakes him until his teeth rattle.
8. She makes Roger pick up her purse.
9. She asks if he is ashamed of himself.
10. Roger admits he is sorry.
11. Mrs. Jones drags him to her house.
12. She makes him wash his dirty face.
13. Roger fears she will take him to jail.
14. Instead, she gives him food to eat.
15. Roger confesses he wanted blue suede shoes.
16. Mrs. Jones says stealing is not the way.
17. She shares that she too made mistakes once.
18. She leaves her purse openly, showing trust.
19. Roger chooses not to run away.
20. He feels the weight of her kindness.
21. Mrs. Jones cooks beans, ham, and cocoa.
22. They eat together like family.
23. She gives Roger ten dollars for shoes.
24. She advises him never to steal again.
25. Roger leaves, deeply grateful, saying only “Thank you, ma’am.”

Character Sketches

1. Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones
   Mrs. Jones is a large, strong woman who works in a hotel beauty shop. She is fearless and practical, able to stop Roger when he tries to steal her purse. Yet she is also kind and motherly. Instead of punishing him, she takes him home, makes him wash, feeds him, and talks to him about right and wrong. She shows trust by leaving her purse open and giving him freedom. Her compassion is powerful—she even gives Roger money for shoes. Mrs. Jones represents discipline mixed with kindness. She believes that guidance and trust can change a young person more than punishment. Her character is a symbol of moral strength, humanity, and the power of compassion.
2. Roger
   Roger is a poor teenage boy, about fourteen or fifteen years old. He wears tennis shoes and blue jeans, and he tries to steal Mrs. Jones’s purse because he wants money to buy blue suede shoes. At first, he is frightened and ashamed when caught. He expects punishment but instead experiences kindness. Roger slowly changes—he washes his face, eats food, and begins to respect Mrs. Jones. He chooses not to run away even when the door is open, showing that her trust has touched him. By the end, he feels deep gratitude and can only say “Thank you, ma’am.” Roger’s character shows how compassion can transform a misguided boy into someone who values honesty and respect.
3. The Passersby
   The passersby are minor characters who appear briefly when Roger is caught. They stop, look, and watch Mrs. Jones shaking the boy. Their presence shows that society notices crime but often does not intervene. They represent ordinary people who are curious but passive, leaving the responsibility to someone else. Though they do not act, their presence adds realism to the scene. They highlight Mrs. Jones’s courage and independence, showing that she alone takes charge of disciplining Roger. The passersby remind us that many people witness wrongdoing but fail to help, while individuals like Mrs. Jones step forward to guide and protect.
4. The Roomers in Mrs. Jones’s House
   The roomers are background characters who live in the same boarding house as Mrs. Jones. When she drags Roger inside, he hears them laughing and talking in their rooms. Their presence reassures Roger that he is not alone and that the house is safe. They symbolize community and normal life continuing around the incident. Though they do not directly interact with Roger, they make the setting realistic and lively. The roomers highlight that Mrs. Jones is part of a working-class community, where people share space and support each other. They also show that Roger’s experience is personal, but it happens within a larger social environment.
5. Minor Symbolic Character: The Blue Suede Shoes
   Though not a person, the blue suede shoes act like a symbolic character in the story. They represent Roger’s youthful desire and temptation. His wish for them drives him to attempt theft. The shoes symbolize material wants that can lead to wrong choices. Mrs. Jones teaches him that shoes gained dishonestly will “burn your feet,” meaning they will bring trouble. In this way, the shoes play a role in Roger’s transformation. They remind readers that desires must be fulfilled through honest means. The shoes are a silent but powerful presence, shaping the boy’s actions and the lesson he learns.

Conversations

1. Mrs. Jones and Roger (after washing his face)

• Mrs. Jones: “Feeling better now, Roger?”
• Roger: “Yes, ma’am. The warm water helped.”
• Mrs. Jones: “Good. You look more presentable now.”
• Roger: “I didn’t expect you to be this kind.”
• Mrs. Jones: “Kindness can teach more than punishment.”
• Roger: “I thought you’d call the police.”
• Mrs. Jones: “No, I’d rather guide you myself.”
• Roger: “I’ll remember this night forever.”
• Mrs. Jones: “Make sure you remember the lesson too.”
• Roger: “Yes, ma’am. I won’t forget.”

2. Roger and a Friend (next day)

• Friend: “Hey, did you get those blue suede shoes?”
• Roger: “Yes, but not the way I planned.”
• Friend: “What do you mean?”
• Roger: “I tried to steal a purse.”
• Friend: “Seriously? What happened?”
• Roger: “The woman caught me and took me home.”
• Friend: “She didn’t call the cops?”
• Roger: “No, she fed me and gave me ten dollars.”
• Friend: “That’s unbelievable!”
• Roger: “Her trust changed me. I’ll never steal again.”

3. Mrs. Jones and a Neighbor

• Neighbor: “You didn’t call the police?”
• Mrs. Jones: “No, I gave the boy supper instead.”
• Neighbor: “That’s unusual.”
• Mrs. Jones: “Sometimes a child needs guidance, not punishment.”
• Neighbor: “But what if he tries again?”
• Mrs. Jones: “I believe he won’t. He looked ashamed.”
• Neighbor: “You trusted him?”
• Mrs. Jones: “Yes, and he didn’t betray that trust.”
• Neighbor: “You’re brave, Mrs. Jones.”
• Mrs. Jones: “Bravery is showing compassion when it’s hardest.”

4. Roger talking to Himself (walking home)

• Roger: “She could have sent me to jail.”
• Roger: “But she didn’t. She trusted me.”
• Roger: “She even gave me money for shoes.”
• Roger: “I don’t deserve that kindness.”
• Roger: “I must use the money right.”
• Roger: “I’ll buy the shoes honestly now.”
• Roger: “I can’t break her trust.”
• Roger: “Her words will stay with me.”
• Roger: “Shoes bought the wrong way will burn your feet.”
• Roger: “I’ll change. I’ll be better.”

5. Mrs. Jones and Roger (at the door)

• Mrs. Jones: “Goodnight, Roger. Behave yourself from now on.”
• Roger: “Thank you, ma’am… for everything.”
• Mrs. Jones: “Remember, son, shoes bought the wrong way will burn your feet.”
• Roger: “I’ll never forget your words.”
• Mrs. Jones: “You’re young. You still have time to choose right.”
• Roger: “I’ll try, ma’am. Truly.”
• Mrs. Jones: “Trying isn’t enough. Do it.”
• Roger: “Yes, ma’am. I will.”
• Mrs. Jones: “Then I’m glad we met tonight.”

Letters

Letter 1: Roger to Mrs. Jones

Dear Mrs. Jones,

I am writing this letter to thank you for what you did for me that night. I know I tried to steal your purse, and it was wrong. I was foolish and thought only about getting those blue suede shoes. But instead of punishing me or calling the police, you showed me kindness. You took me home, made me wash my face, gave me food, and even trusted me when you left your purse in the room.

That trust changed me. I realized that someone believed I could be better. Your words about shoes “burning my feet” if I got them the wrong way will stay with me forever. I promise I will never steal again. I will try to live honestly and make you proud if you ever think of me.

Thank you for the ten dollars, but more than that, thank you for teaching me a lesson I will never forget. You gave me a second chance, and I will use it wisely.

Yours sincerely,
Roger

Letter 2: Mrs. Jones to a Friend

Dear Friend,

I want to tell you about something that happened last night. As I was walking home, a boy tried to snatch my purse. He was small, thin, and looked hungry. I caught him and took him to my house. At first, he was scared, but I did not want to send him to jail. I felt he needed guidance more than punishment.

I made him wash his face, gave him supper, and talked to him. He told me he wanted money for blue suede shoes. I understood his desire, but I explained that stealing would only bring trouble. I trusted him enough to leave my purse in the room, and he did not touch it. That showed me he was ready to change.

Before he left, I gave him ten dollars to buy the shoes honestly. His eyes were full of gratitude, and he could only say “Thank you, ma’am.” I believe that kindness can teach more than punishment. Maybe my small act will help him choose the right path in life.

With love,
Luella Bates Washington Jones.

Diaries

Diary Entry 1: Roger (the night of the incident)

Dear Diary,

Tonight something happened that I will never forget. I tried to steal a woman’s purse because I wanted money for blue suede shoes. But I failed, and she caught me. I was scared she would call the police, but instead she dragged me to her house. At first, I thought she would punish me, but she made me wash my face and gave me food. She spoke to me like a mother, telling me that stealing is wrong and that shoes bought dishonestly will “burn your feet.”

She trusted me even though I had tried to rob her. She left her purse in the room, and I did not touch it. That trust made me feel ashamed but also hopeful. Before I left, she gave me ten dollars to buy the shoes honestly. I could only say “Thank you, ma’am.” Her kindness changed me. I will never forget Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones.

Diary Entry 2: Mrs. Jones (after Roger leaves)

Dear Diary,

Tonight I met a boy named Roger. He tried to snatch my purse, but I caught him. He looked thin, dirty, and hungry. I could see he needed guidance more than punishment. So I took him home. I made him wash his face, gave him supper, and talked to him about right and wrong. He told me he wanted money for blue suede shoes. I understood his desire, but I explained that stealing would only bring trouble.

I trusted him enough to leave my purse in the room, and he did not touch it. That showed me he was ready to change. Before he left, I gave him ten dollars to buy the shoes honestly. His eyes were full of gratitude, and he could only say “Thank you, ma’am.” I believe kindness can teach more than punishment. Maybe my small act will help him choose the right path in life.

Diary Entry 3: Roger (the next morning)

Dear Diary,

I woke up today still thinking about Mrs. Jones. Last night I tried to steal her purse, but instead of sending me to jail, she showed me kindness. She made me wash, gave me food, and even trusted me. That trust was stronger than any punishment. I realized that someone believed I could be better.

She gave me ten dollars to buy the shoes I wanted. But more than the money, she gave me a lesson. She told me that things gained dishonestly will burn your feet. I will remember those words forever. I feel different today. I want to live honestly and make her proud if she ever thinks of me.

Her kindness has given me a second chance. I will not waste it.

News Reports

News Report 1:

Attempted Purse Snatching Ends in Kindness
Times – Special Report

Late last night, a teenage boy attempted to snatch the purse of Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, a hotel beauty shop worker. The incident occurred around eleven o’clock when Mrs. Jones was walking home alone. The boy, identified as Roger, lost his balance and fell after the purse strap broke.

Instead of calling the police, Mrs. Jones took an unusual step. She dragged the boy to her home, made him wash his face, and offered him supper. During their conversation, Roger admitted that he wanted money to buy blue suede shoes.

In a surprising turn, Mrs. Jones gave him ten dollars and advised him never to steal again. “Shoes bought the wrong way will burn your feet,” she told him. Roger left with gratitude, saying only, “Thank you, ma’am.”

This incident highlights how compassion and trust can sometimes achieve more than punishment.

News Report 2:

Woman Teaches Thief a Lesson in Trust
Indian Express

A teenage boy’s attempt to steal a purse turned into a life‑changing lesson yesterday. Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, a strong and fearless woman, caught the boy, Roger, when he tried to snatch her handbag.

Witnesses expected her to hand him over to the police, but Mrs. Jones chose another path. She took Roger home, scolded him, and then showed unexpected kindness. She fed him, spoke about her own youthful mistakes, and explained that dishonesty brings trouble.

Roger, who confessed he wanted money for blue suede shoes, was shocked when Mrs. Jones gave him ten dollars to buy them honestly. She left her purse unattended, showing trust, and Roger did not run away.

The boy departed with deep respect, managing only to say, “Thank you, ma’am.” The story has quickly spread in the community as an example of how compassion can reform young lives.

Questions

1. Who is Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones?
   Mrs. Jones is a strong, independent woman who works in a hotel beauty shop. She is described as large and fearless, able to handle Roger when he tries to steal her purse. Yet, beneath her toughness lies compassion. She chooses not to punish Roger but to guide him, showing trust and kindness. Her character blends discipline with motherly care, teaching Roger that honesty and respect matter more than material desires. She symbolizes moral strength and humanity.
2. Why does Roger try to steal Mrs. Jones’s purse?
   Roger attempts to snatch Mrs. Jones’s purse because he wants money to buy blue suede shoes. His desire reflects youthful impulsiveness and poverty. Instead of asking for help, he chooses the wrong path—stealing. This act shows his immaturity and lack of guidance at home. Roger’s action highlights how poverty and temptation can push young people toward crime. His mistake becomes the turning point of the story, leading him to meet Mrs. Jones, who teaches him a valuable lesson.
3. How does Mrs. Jones react when Roger tries to steal her purse?
   Mrs. Jones reacts firmly but wisely. She catches Roger, shakes him, and drags him home. Instead of handing him over to the police, she chooses to discipline him herself. She scolds him, makes him wash his face, and feeds him. Her reaction shows strength, quick thinking, and compassion. She believes in correcting rather than condemning. By treating Roger with dignity, she teaches him that kindness and trust can change a person more effectively than punishment or fear.
4. What lesson does Mrs. Jones want Roger to learn?
   Mrs. Jones wants Roger to understand that stealing is wrong and that trust and honesty are more valuable than crime. She teaches him that material desires should never be fulfilled through dishonest means. By giving him money for shoes, she shows that kindness and honesty can achieve what crime cannot. Her lesson is simple but powerful: choices have consequences, and respect for others is essential. Roger learns that compassion can guide him toward a better future.
5. Why doesn’t Mrs. Jones call the police?
   Mrs. Jones believes punishment alone will not change Roger. She chooses compassion over punishment. By feeding him, talking to him, and trusting him, she gives him a chance to reform. Her decision reflects wisdom and humanity—she knows the boy needs guidance, not jail. She understands that harsh treatment might harden him, while kindness can inspire change. By keeping him close, she teaches him discipline and trust, proving that compassion can be more powerful than punishment.
6. What role does food play in the story?
   Food symbolizes care and trust in the story. Mrs. Jones cooks for Roger, treating him like her own child. Sharing a meal creates a bond between them. It shows Roger that kindness exists in the world and that someone cares about him. This simple act of feeding him is more powerful than punishment. Food becomes a symbol of compassion, showing that nurturing and guidance can reform a person more effectively than fear or punishment.
7. Why does Roger not run away when he gets the chance?
   Roger notices that Mrs. Jones leaves her door open and her purse unattended. Yet he stays. This shows that her trust has already begun to change him. He does not want to betray her kindness. His decision marks the beginning of his transformation. Roger realizes that Mrs. Jones believes in him, and he wants to prove himself worthy of that trust. His choice not to run away reflects his growing respect and desire to change.
8. What is the significance of the blue suede shoes?
   The blue suede shoes represent youthful desire and temptation. Roger’s wish for them drives him to attempt theft. But Mrs. Jones teaches him that fulfilling desires through dishonest means will “burn your feet.” The shoes symbolize the choice between right and wrong. They highlight how material desires can lead to mistakes, but also how guidance can redirect those desires. In the end, the shoes become a lesson in morality, showing that honesty is the right path.
9. How does Mrs. Jones show trust in Roger?
   Mrs. Jones shows trust by leaving her purse openly in the room and not watching him constantly. She gives him freedom, showing that she believes he can change. This trust makes Roger feel responsible and determined not to disappoint her. Her actions demonstrate that trust can inspire honesty. Roger realizes that he does not want to betray her kindness. The trust she shows becomes the turning point in his transformation, teaching him respect and responsibility.
10. What does Roger learn from Mrs. Jones?
    Roger learns that kindness, trust, and honesty are more powerful than punishment. He realizes that stealing is wrong and that people can help him if he asks. He experiences compassion for the first time, which leaves a lasting impression on him. Mrs. Jones’s actions teach him that respect and honesty are essential values. Roger’s gratitude at the end shows that he has been deeply touched by her kindness, and he promises himself to change.
11. How does Langston Hughes use dialogue in the story?
    Langston Hughes uses simple, direct dialogue to make the story realistic and engaging. The conversations between Mrs. Jones and Roger reveal their personalities and emotions. Through short exchanges, Hughes shows Mrs. Jones’s firmness and compassion, and Roger’s fear and eventual respect. The dialogue makes the story lively and easy to understand. It also conveys moral lessons naturally, without long explanations. Hughes’s use of dialogue helps readers connect with the characters and understand the themes clearly.
12. What does Mrs. Jones mean when she says, “Shoes come by devilish like that will burn your feet”?
    Mrs. Jones means that anything gained through dishonest or immoral means will bring trouble. The shoes may satisfy Roger’s desire temporarily, but the guilt and consequences of theft will harm him. It is a metaphor for the dangers of crime. She warns Roger that dishonesty will never bring true happiness. Her words emphasize the importance of honesty and integrity. The phrase becomes a powerful lesson, teaching Roger that wrong choices always lead to pain.
13. How does the story show the theme of compassion?
    The entire story revolves around compassion. Mrs. Jones chooses to help Roger instead of punishing him. She feeds him, talks to him, and gives him money. Her compassion transforms Roger, showing that kindness can change lives. Hughes presents compassion as a force stronger than punishment. The story teaches that understanding and care can guide people toward better choices. Compassion becomes the central theme, proving that humanity and trust can reform even those who make mistakes.
14. Why does Roger say only “Thank you, ma’am” at the end?
    Roger is overwhelmed by Mrs. Jones’s kindness. He wants to say more but cannot find the words. His simple “Thank you” expresses deep gratitude and respect. It shows that her actions touched him beyond words. The moment reflects his emotional transformation. Roger realizes that her kindness has given him a second chance. His brief words carry powerful meaning, showing that sometimes gratitude cannot be fully expressed. The ending highlights the lasting impact of compassion.
15. How does the open door symbolize trust?
    The open door represents freedom and choice. Roger could escape, but he stays. It symbolizes Mrs. Jones’s trust in him and his decision to honor that trust. The open door is a turning point in the story. It shows that trust can inspire responsibility. Roger realizes that he does not want to betray her kindness. The open door becomes a symbol of honesty, respect, and transformation. It highlights the power of trust in changing people.
16. What does the story suggest about poverty and crime?
    The story shows that poverty can push young people toward crime. Roger wants shoes but has no money. Instead of guidance, he chooses theft. Mrs. Jones’s actions suggest that compassion and support can prevent crime by addressing poverty and need. Hughes highlights how poverty creates temptation, but kindness can provide solutions. The story teaches that society must guide and support the poor, rather than punish them harshly. Poverty and crime are linked, but compassion can break the cycle.
17. How does Mrs. Jones act like a mother figure?
    Mrs. Jones scolds Roger, makes him wash, feeds him, and teaches him right from wrong. She treats him like her own child. Her actions reflect motherly care and discipline. Roger experiences the love and guidance he lacks at home. She shows patience, trust, and compassion, qualities of a mother. By guiding him, she becomes a substitute parent. Her role highlights the importance of family values and discipline in shaping young people’s lives.
18. What is the importance of Mrs. Jones sharing her past mistakes?
    Mrs. Jones admits she has done things she would not tell anyone. This honesty makes Roger realize that everyone makes mistakes. It also shows that people can change. Her confession builds trust and makes her advice more powerful. By sharing her past, she connects with Roger, showing that she understands his struggles. This moment teaches Roger that mistakes do not define a person, but choices do. Her honesty strengthens the lesson of compassion and trust.
19. How does the story end?
    The story ends with Roger receiving ten dollars and Mrs. Jones sending him away with advice. Roger says “Thank you, ma’am” and leaves. The ending is simple but powerful—it shows that a single act of kindness can leave a lifelong impact. Roger’s gratitude reflects his transformation. Mrs. Jones’s words about shoes burning his feet remain with him.