Podcast
Questions and Answers
What physical action did Jones perform on Roger when she first encountered him?
What physical action did Jones perform on Roger when she first encountered him?
What does Jones ask Roger to do when they enter her room?
What does Jones ask Roger to do when they enter her room?
What reason does Roger give for wanting to snatch Jones's pocketbook?
What reason does Roger give for wanting to snatch Jones's pocketbook?
What does Jones suggest Roger could have done instead of snatching her pocketbook?
What does Jones suggest Roger could have done instead of snatching her pocketbook?
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How does Roger feel about his situation after washing his face?
How does Roger feel about his situation after washing his face?
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What does Jones share about her past to connect with Roger?
What does Jones share about her past to connect with Roger?
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What does the open door symbolize for Roger?
What does the open door symbolize for Roger?
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What is the immediate action Jones takes after telling Roger to wash his face?
What is the immediate action Jones takes after telling Roger to wash his face?
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What caused the boy to lose his balance when attempting to snatch the purse?
What caused the boy to lose his balance when attempting to snatch the purse?
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How did the woman react after catching the boy who tried to snatch her purse?
How did the woman react after catching the boy who tried to snatch her purse?
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What did Mrs. Jones offer to cook for the boy?
What did Mrs. Jones offer to cook for the boy?
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What did the woman intend to do to the boy besides scolding him?
What did the woman intend to do to the boy besides scolding him?
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How much money did Mrs. Jones give the boy?
How much money did Mrs. Jones give the boy?
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What does the boy claim after being caught by the woman?
What does the boy claim after being caught by the woman?
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What lesson did Mrs. Jones emphasize to the boy regarding her purse?
What lesson did Mrs. Jones emphasize to the boy regarding her purse?
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What does Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones mean when she says, 'If you think that contact is not going to last awhile, you got another thought coming'?
What does Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones mean when she says, 'If you think that contact is not going to last awhile, you got another thought coming'?
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Which characteristics describe the woman as she is first introduced in the story?
Which characteristics describe the woman as she is first introduced in the story?
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What type of cake did Mrs. Jones share with the boy?
What type of cake did Mrs. Jones share with the boy?
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What did the boy want to say to Mrs. Jones before leaving?
What did the boy want to say to Mrs. Jones before leaving?
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What did the boy whisper to the woman after being caught?
What did the boy whisper to the woman after being caught?
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What does the boy's clothing suggest about his social status?
What does the boy's clothing suggest about his social status?
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What was Mrs. Jones' job?
What was Mrs. Jones' job?
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During the meal, what did Mrs. Jones choose not to ask the boy?
During the meal, what did Mrs. Jones choose not to ask the boy?
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What was the boy's reaction when Mrs. Jones was about to open the door for him?
What was the boy's reaction when Mrs. Jones was about to open the door for him?
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Study Notes
Characters
- Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones: A large, strong woman with a kind yet firm demeanor who confronts the boy after he tries to steal her purse.
- Roger: A young boy, approximately 14-15 years old, who attempts to snatch Mrs. Jones's purse out of desperation for new shoes.
Plot Summary
- At night, Mrs. Jones is approached from behind by Roger who tries to snatch her purse.
- The struggle results in Roger falling over, and Mrs. Jones catches him, demonstrating her physical strength.
- Instead of punishing him, Mrs. Jones engages Roger in a conversation about his actions and background.
Themes
- Consequences and Responsibility: The narrative examines the consequences of Roger's actions, emphasizing learning from mistakes rather than harsh punishment.
- Compassion and Understanding: Mrs. Jones shows empathy towards Roger's situation, highlighting the importance of understanding people's circumstances.
- Influence of Environment: The story indicates how socioeconomic factors can lead to desperation, exemplified by Roger's background and his actions.
Key Events
- Roger tries to steal the purse but ends up on his back after losing his balance.
- Mrs. Jones captures him and challenges him to confront his shame and wrongdoing.
- They engage in a discussion about personal care, morality, and needs, showcasing Mrs. Jones as a parental figure.
- After discovering Roger's need for shoes, Mrs. Jones offers him $10 and a lesson about respect and dignity.
Symbolism
- The Purse: Represents material possessions and the struggle between right and wrong when faced with temptation.
- The Blue Suede Shoes: A symbol of desire showcasing societal influences on youth; emphasizes that wants can lead to misguided actions.
Setting
- The story predominantly takes place at night on a city street and in Mrs. Jones's kitchenette, reflecting a sense of safety and homely warmth contrasted with the initial environment of fear and theft.
Important Quotes
- "Now ain’t you ashamed of yourself?" - Mrs. Jones, prompting self-reflection in Roger.
- "I was young once and I wanted things I could not get." - Mrs. Jones, revealing her understanding of youthful desires and struggles.
Conclusion
- The narrative ends with Roger expressing gratitude, although he is left with a lingering sense of reflection and change. Mrs. Jones's actions impart a lesson on integrity and the ability to change.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Dive into Langston Hughes' short story 'Thank You, Ma’am'. This quiz explores themes of kindness, respect, and compassion as shown through the encounter between a woman and a young boy. Test your understanding of the characters and moral lessons presented by Hughes.
