The Theme of “Thank You, Ma'am” The Five Elements of a story and novel are the theme, the plot, the setting, characters, and conflict. However, each element should rely and emphasize each other throughout the story. A prime example of this is found in the short story, “Thank You, Ma'am.” The story was written in 1958 by Langston Hughes. It is about a poor boy named Roger, who tries to steal a woman's purse. The woman, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, responds, however, in a very unexpected way. Mrs. Jones takes Roger, who tried to steal from her, to her house and shows him kindness. So the first theme of “Thank You, Ma'am” is 'be kind to everyone, even if they don't deserve it.' But, then, Mrs. Jones later reveals to him that she, too, used to be just like Roger, and that she used to steal and do worse things than that. Thus, the second theme is 'you can always work past and issue and …show more content…
Though the author doesn't state exactly where the story takes place, “there are some clues on where the story is set. Langston Hughes' stories usually revolve around African-Americans living in a segregated America. (Langston Hughes)” It's then safe to assume that this story is set in the 1950's, the actual time Hughes wrote the story. In addition to that, an Elvis Presley song called, “Blue Suede Shoes” was popular in the 1950's, so the story could've been making a reference towards that song. The story takes place at night, which could be a symbol for Roger's confusion and desperation. The conflict of the story revolves around Roger's bad decisions and Mrs. Luella trying to help him. Roger wants shoes, but Mrs. Luella tells him, “shoes earned by devilish ways will burn your feet.” This is another example of figurative language given. Mrs. Luella probably learned that the hard way, and is now trying to help Roger, thus creating the second theme, and also highlighting the first
Elements that make for the best literary short story are character, meaning, tone and tension. These four literary elements make your story have a plot. These elements also contribute to your story’s purpose and ambition. The short stories we have read this semester integrate these elements, making successful and literary filled works.
themes. One that stuck out to me is Fitzgerald expressing how the idea of true love is just a
A slum neighborhood located in “Yes, Ma’m” and a brilliant train carriage in “The Storyteller” create the setting for this compare and contrast essay. These short stories are similar in that their themes both focus on negative objects, but play them into a positive light. However, their suggested themes are different in that “Yes Ma’m” tells the reader to not believe in people by where they live, but “The Storyteller” communicates to not judge something based on its formality. Langston Hughes’s “Yes Ma’m” has an implied theme found anywhere, “nice people can be found even in the lowest places on the planet.” Another true theme belonging to Saki’s “The Storyteller,” reads, “Sometimes the most improper story is the best one.” Both main messages are true, and provide a very keen focal point for the reader to enjoy.
In stating this Mrs. Jones herself has shown weakness in her lifestyle.&nb now opened a door for the boy, in showing him through another statement that intended that it was still wrong to make an attempt to steal someone’s pocketbook, but you could still get away with the crime. From the events in the story, the most obvious and penetrating theme would be that Mrs. Jones taught the boy a valuable lesson by taking him in and pampering him. But, by using the methods of deconstruction and digging deeply into the true theme of the short story, you will find a recessive theme, secondary to the obvious. In “Thank You, Ma’am,” the apparent theme is not as it seems, and the true seemed like a strong role model for the boy, but truly set a poor example for the boy by convincing him, not knowingly, but in her sub-conscious, that it is admirable to steal and beg for things that you do not have and want. A very important lesson could be taught within either theme, and in the end it is a fight between two old enemies, good and evil. & nbsp;
Allow me to illustrate my point: “Thank you m’am,” by Langston Hughes, is a story of a boy named Roger, who attempted to steal a woman’s pocket book and failed. She dragged him in her home, had him clean himself and eat, then gave him money and pardoned him. Where’s the missed opportunity, you ask?
First, a great example of the theme of race is the poem of, “I too, sing America”, which is a poem that uses race as the major theme because it portrays a slave in a white household. It is apparent that this is about slavery when Hughes states in the poem, “They send me to eat in the kitchen when company comes company,” (INSERT CITATION). This quote expresses the fact that slaves were not allowed in the kitchen when company comes over because there was no equality during thus tome. Hughes does a great job in the next few lines where he shows that the slave has a vision in which whites and blacks can eat at the same table without racial prejudice. In, “I Too, Sing America”, Hughes uses race as a symbol of oppression on African Americans as well as a sign of hope for the future. When the slave is sent into the kitchen to eat this is a symbol of hope because it says he eats ...
Langston Hughes unique characterization of Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones in the short story "Thank you, Ma' am". Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones is a very strong minded woman. She is also very rough and bossy and she even dragged Roger up the street. Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones though bossy and strong mind, is very kind and honest. She had Roger wash his face and she fed him dinner while he was at her house. She is also very thoughtful for she knew that his parents didn't really care for him at home. She could tell by his face that his parents aren't home very much and probably neglect him. Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones is very empathetic towards Roger and she tells him that she was like him at one time, only worse. She
The theme in a story is the message or big idea that the author is trying to reveal in his or her narrative. If there was no underlining theme in Sherman Alexie’s short story, “This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona” then readers would have no interest in reading the fictional story. Understanding the message that Alexie is trying to display to his readers can vary in many ways and depends on the reader 's understanding of the story. Strong themes that are presented in the fictional tale are man versus self conflict, family, and tribal identity. Victor is a tribal member that has had a rough life and has to deal with his father passing away. Not only does he have to come to terms with his father 's death, but he also has to face his
In poetry, it is critical t bring out a theme. This makes the reader learn something and realize what the poet is attempting to say. A good theme can really impact the reader. Most poets use elements of poetry to do this. In Harlem, Langston Hughes uses elements of poetry to show his theme, which is when you give up on your dream, many consequences will arise. In the poem Harlem, Langston Hughes uses many elements of poetry to prove his theme, including similes, diction and personification.
The first theme I find important is: do not judge others and their intentions. This theme is shown in the book because of rumors about the Radley’s and how Scout’s family is also being treated the same way now. The first stanza depicts this theme by showing how your feelings are affected by the disasters that come with life. The second theme in the book is: always have courage, especially when you stand alone. Many parts of the poem correllate to the characters and their situations, and all the characters have to show an immense deal of courage at some point in their lives. It takes Atticus courage to raise Jem and Scout on his own, for Scout to hold back her anger and take humiliation, for Boo Radley to endure all the hatred for him, and for Mrs. Duboise to accept death willingly. All of them face it alone as well and deal with their feelings on their own. Therefore, it almost seems like this poem was made for the story itself and to symbolically show the troubles of all the
“It’s up to you to make your life. Take what you have and stack it up like a tower of teetering blocks. Build your dream around that.” – Cheryl Strayed
Randall’s use of descriptive imagery shows the mother’s love for her daughter and sets up the dramatic situation. “She has combed and brushed her night-dark hair” (line 17). Through the carefully combing of her daughter’s hair, the reader can tell the mother takes a tremendous amount of pride in her daughter’s appearance. The quote also shows how profoundly the mother loves her daughter. Then when describing the girl’s shoes and gloves, Randall selects the color white. The color is represents of her purity and innocence.
A theme is a fundamental and often universal idea explored in a literary work. In the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, there are three main themes: the side-by-side existence of good and evil, the importance of moral education, and the presence of social inequality. These themes help the story be what it is and help to create a proper setting, plot, conflict, and characters. The themes in the book have good meaning and make the book what it is.
A servant leader is a person who makes serving a priority in their life. I grew up volunteering in my community on a regular basis; however, it wasn’t until college that I was able to understand the impact of serving your community. Thanksgiving, my dad a law enforcement officer would volunteer at restaurants serving the homeless so service has always been a part of my life. With that being said, there is a huge difference between being forced to do community service and wanting to serve your community. A lot of times we become so consumed with ourselves and our egos that we forget about those who helped formed who we are today. As humans, we should strive to work and exist together at equilibrium.
Langston uses dialogue to anticipate hope for Roger. He uses inner thinking to show how the woman feels sympathetic towards Roger. Lastly, he uses character motivation to shows Rogers reasoning for attempting to steal the purse. He uses these techniques to show how Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones feels compassion because she knows what it’s like to want something when you can’t have it. Ultimately, this is why she came to the decision to give Roger the money for the shoes and send him on his