"Thank You, Ma'am" is a short story by Langston Hughes that was first published in 1958. It tells the story of a young boy named Roger who tries to steal the purse of a woman named Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. However, Mrs. Jones is able to catch Roger and instead of punishing him, she takes him home and teaches him a lesson about respect and kindness.
The story begins with Roger attempting to snatch Mrs. Jones's purse as she walks down the street. Mrs. Jones is able to grab onto Roger's arm and hold him back, demanding to know why he is trying to steal from her. Roger tells her that he wanted money to buy a pair of blue suede shoes. Mrs. Jones is not angry with Roger, but rather she is sympathetic and understands that he must have been desperate to try and steal from her.
Instead of punishing Roger, Mrs. Jones takes him home with her and feeds him a good meal. She also gives him some money to buy the shoes that he wanted, but she makes it clear that he must earn the rest of the money through honest work. Mrs. Jones tells Roger that he needs to learn to respect himself and others, and she encourages him to be a better person.
Throughout the story, Mrs. Jones serves as a role model for Roger. She is kind and understanding, and she is able to see the good in him even when he makes a mistake. She teaches him about the importance of honesty and hard work, and she shows him that there are other ways to get what he wants in life besides resorting to stealing.
In the end, Roger is grateful to Mrs. Jones for her kindness and he promises to be a better person. He thanks her and says, "Thank you, ma'am," which gives the story its title.
Overall, "Thank You, Ma'am" is a poignant and poignant story about the power of kindness and understanding. It shows that even in the face of adversity, there is always the possibility for redemption and growth. The story serves as a reminder that it is never too late to change and become a better person, and that one small act of kindness can go a long way in making a positive impact on someone's life.