"Thank You, M'am" is a short story written by Langston Hughes, published in 1958. It tells the story of Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, a strong and kind-hearted woman, and Roger, a young boy who tries to steal her purse.
The story takes place in the late 1950s in an urban setting, likely in a low-income neighborhood. Hughes does not provide much background information about the characters, but it is clear that Mrs. Jones is a hardworking woman who takes pride in her appearance and cares about her community. Despite being the victim of a crime, she shows compassion and forgiveness towards Roger, who is a troubled and misguided youth.
Mrs. Jones's character is developed through her actions and dialogue in the story. She is a no-nonsense woman who speaks her mind and stands up for herself. When Roger tries to steal her purse, she fights back and eventually captures him. However, rather than turn him over to the authorities or demand retribution, she decides to take him under her wing and teach him a lesson.
Mrs. Jones takes Roger to her home and feeds him a meal, treating him with kindness and understanding despite his actions. She tells him that he has "a good disposition" and that he is "not a bad boy." She recognizes that he has made a mistake, but she also sees potential in him and wants to help him get back on the right track.
As Mrs. Jones talks to Roger, it becomes clear that she is not just concerned about him, but about the well-being of her community as a whole. She tells him that "people ought to love folks" and that "it's a good deal of trouble to hate." She wants to show him that there is a better way to live, and that he has the power to make positive choices in his life.
In the end, Mrs. Jones's kindness and understanding have a profound impact on Roger. He learns that he can be better than his circumstances, and that he has the power to change his own life. Mrs. Jones's words and actions inspire him to be a better person, and he leaves her house with a new sense of hope and purpose.
Hughes's "Thank You, M'am" is a powerful and poignant story that explores themes of forgiveness, compassion, and the importance of community. Through the character of Mrs. Jones, Hughes shows that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a lasting impact on others.