Thank You Ma'm Analysis Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the summary of Thank You, Ma'm?

A young boy about 14 tries to steal the pocketbook of a woman on the street in a big city. Instead of taking him to jail, she drags him to her home, has him clean up, fixes him dinner, shows him trust, and tells him that she also wanted things she could not have and did bad things when she was young (and shows regret). She gives him $10 and tells him not to steal again.

Who is the author of Thank You, Ma'm?

Langston Hughes

What time period does Thank You, Ma'm take place in?

1950s

Where did Thank You, Ma'm take place?

Big city; African American neighborhood; poor community; late at night (about 11 p.m.); takes place both on the street and in Mrs. Jones's home. Signup and view all the answers

What other important details are there in Thank You, Ma'm that deals with the setting?

Boy says parents are not at home, even though it is 11 pm. Working? Out? Absent from his life? We are not certain. Signup and view all the answers

Whose point of view is Thank You, Ma'm written in?

Story told by someone outside the events of the story. Signup and view all the answers

Is Thank You, Ma'm written in first person or third person?

Third Signup and view all the answers

Is the narrator in Thank You, Ma'm omniscient or limited?

Limited Signup and view all the answers

Does Thank You, Ma'm have an objective point of view?

True Signup and view all the answers

Who are the characters in Thank You, Ma'm?

<ol> <li>Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, a large woman, very confident, tough, kind, compassionate, with a past she is not proud of; 2) Roger, a thief, dishonest, parents not home late at night, feels grateful for what Mrs. Jones does.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Who is the protagonist in Thank You, Ma'm?

Roger Signup and view all the answers

Who is the antagonist in Thank You, Ma'm?

Mrs. Jones Signup and view all the answers

What is the conflict in Thank You, Ma'm?

Roger has started down a path in life that Mrs. Jones would call dishonest. He has conflicts with himself about whether to change and with Mrs. Jones when he tries to steal her pocketbook. Signup and view all the answers

What is the theme in Thank You, Ma'm?

Choosing to treat people with compassion, helping others, and treating them with respect (even when they don't always deserve it) is the right way to live life. Signup and view all the answers

Does Thank You, Ma'm have an exposition?

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the inciting incident in Thank You, Ma'm?

Roger attempts to steal the purse. Signup and view all the answers

What events make up the rising action in Thank You, Ma'm?

<ol> <li>Mrs. Jones grabs him and takes him to her home; 2) she demands he clean himself up; 3) she reveals her past to Roger; 4) she feeds him and shows him trust.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What event would be considered the climax in Thank You, Ma'm?

Mrs. Jones gives him the $ and sends him away, telling him to behave and not to steal. Signup and view all the answers

What would be considered the falling action in Thank You, Ma'm?

Roger wishes he knew what to say other than 'Thank You, Ma'm,' but he hasn't got the words to express his feelings. Signup and view all the answers

What would be considered the resolution in Thank You, Ma'm?

Similar to above--Roger leaves but we wonder what happens to him after. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Summary of "Thank You, Ma'm"

A young boy attempts to steal a woman's pocketbook in a city.
Instead of turning him in, the woman, Mrs. Jones, takes him home, cleans him up, and feeds him.
Mrs. Jones shares her past mistakes, instilling lessons on trust, compassion, and redemption.
She gives Roger $10, urging him not to steal again.

Author Information

Written by Langston Hughes.

Setting

Takes place in the 1950s.
Set in an impoverished African American neighborhood, primarily at night (around 11 p.m.).
Key locations include the street and Mrs. Jones's home.

Character Analysis

Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones: Large, confident, kind, with a troubled past; teaches Roger about honesty and integrity.
Roger: A thief, longing for blue suede shoes, and feeling grateful towards Mrs. Jones, though he struggles to express it.
Protagonist: Roger.
Antagonist: Mrs. Jones.

Conflict

Roger faces an internal struggle about his dishonest path (person vs. self).
He must choose between staying with Mrs. Jones or stealing her pocketbook (person vs. self).
The initial conflict arises when Roger attempts to steal from Mrs. Jones (person vs. person).

Theme

Compassion, respect, and helping others are more impactful than punishment.

Narrative Structure

Lacks a traditional exposition; begins directly with the inciting incident.
Inciting Incident: Roger's attempt to steal Mrs. Jones's purse.
Rising Action: Includes Mrs. Jones confronting Roger, taking him home, preparing dinner, and bonding over shared experiences.
Climax: Mrs. Jones gives Roger the money and advises him against stealing.
Falling Action: Roger feels inadequate in expressing his gratitude.
Resolution: Roger leaves, leaving his future uncertain.

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Description

Explore the themes and characters of 'Thank You, Ma'm' through this literary analysis flashcard set. Understand the moral lessons and insights that emerge from the interactions between the boy and the woman. Perfect for students looking to deepen their comprehension of this classic short story.