Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the woman's name and what was the boy's name?
What was the woman's name and what was the boy's name?
Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones and Roger
What was the setting of the robbery?
What was the setting of the robbery?
On a street corner in the city at 11:00 at night
What was Roger trying to steal and why?
What was Roger trying to steal and why?
Mrs. Jones' pocketbook to get blue suede shoes
Was the robbery successful? Why or why not?
Was the robbery successful? Why or why not?
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Why didn't Mrs. Jones call the police?
Why didn't Mrs. Jones call the police?
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Why was she nice enough to give him $10 for shoes even though he tried to steal it from her?
Why was she nice enough to give him $10 for shoes even though he tried to steal it from her?
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What is the theme of the story?
What is the theme of the story?
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How does Roger change after meeting Mrs. Jones?
How does Roger change after meeting Mrs. Jones?
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How do you think Mrs. Jones' treatment makes Roger feel about himself?
How do you think Mrs. Jones' treatment makes Roger feel about himself?
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Describe Mrs. Jones in one word.
Describe Mrs. Jones in one word.
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Study Notes
Characters
- Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones is the female protagonist who exhibits kindness and empathy.
- Roger is the young boy trying to steal Mrs. Jones's pocketbook.
Setting
- Takes place on a city street corner at night, specifically at 11:00 PM during the attempted robbery.
Motive for Theft
- Roger attempts to steal Mrs. Jones's pocketbook to acquire blue suede shoes, reflecting his desire for material possessions.
Outcome of Robbery
- The robbery fails as the heavy purse prevents Roger from escaping quickly, allowing Mrs. Jones to confront him.
Mrs. Jones's Perspective
- She refrains from calling the police due to understanding and empathy, having made similar mistakes in her youth.
Generosity of Mrs. Jones
- Despite being a victim of theft, Mrs. Jones offers Roger $10 for shoes to encourage him to make better choices in the future.
Theme of Forgiveness and Trust
- Central theme revolves around forgiveness and trust as Mrs. Jones forgives and invites Roger into her home, demonstrating kindness despite his wrongdoing.
Transformation of Roger
- Roger undergoes personal growth through his interaction with Mrs. Jones; he chooses to stay rather than revert to crime, indicating a shift in character.
Impact of Mrs. Jones's Kindness
- Mrs. Jones's treatment inspires Roger, making him feel grateful and motivated to change his behavior; he struggles to express his gratitude beyond a simple "thank you."
Characterization of Mrs. Jones
- Defined by kindness, exhibiting compassion and understanding towards Roger despite his initial attempt to steal from her.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge of the short story 'Thank You Ma'am' by Langston Hughes through these flashcards. Learn about key characters, setting, and plot details. Perfect for Language Arts students exploring this classic piece of literature.
