Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing themselves. The short story “Thank you Ma’am” by Langston Hughes deals with how experiences can create the urge or need to change. The main character in this story is Roger, he is a troubling 15 year old, and tries to steal Mrs. Jones’ purse. This lead to Mrs Jones grabbing on to Roger (not letting him escape from her), and teaching him a lesson on misbehaving.
Roger’s attempt at stealing trying to steal Mrs. Jones purse (in the alleyway) lead to regret, and an urge to change. When Roger tries to steal Mrs. Jones purse, Mrs. Jones grabs Roger by the shirt collar and “shook him until his teeth rattled”(Hughes 31). At this point, Roger had been caught trying to steal a purse, …show more content…
Jones home, Roger has self conflicts on whether or not to try and escape, leading to change in what Roger thinks is right and what is wrong. When Roger is taken to Mrs. Jones home, he told to wash his face at the sink, as he was walking away from the sink he notices the door ajar, meaning he could make a run for it and escape, “he could make a dash for it down the hall, he could run, run, run!(Hughes 32). This quote/point of view gives a clear entitlement that Roger has had the discovery of need to change. For example, if Roger were to be given this opportunity when he was first caught by Mrs. Jones, he would’ve gladly ran off and escaped. But now, he stays by his own choice, showing obvious change in Roger’s character. In the short story, Roger tries to be helpful, and volunteers to go to the market for her “Do you need someone to go to the store, maybe to get some milk or something?”(Hughes 32). Even though Mrs. Rogers declines the offer, saying “Don’t believe I do”(Hughes 33), Roger still offered to help, proving that Roger wants to make up for what he had just tried to do. Another point this quote proves is that Roger now doesn’t want to escape in any way now (like he used to), and wants to let Mrs. Jones know that as well (by offering to go to the store for her). In conclusion, Roger’s self conflicts lead to the discover or urge of need to change, causing change in Roger’s
Roger’s attempt at stealing trying to steal Mrs. Jones purse (in the alleyway) lead to regret, and an urge to change. When Roger tries to steal Mrs. Jones purse, Mrs. Jones grabs Roger by the shirt collar and “shook him until his teeth rattled”(Hughes 31). At this point, Roger had been caught trying to steal a purse, …show more content…
Jones home, Roger has self conflicts on whether or not to try and escape, leading to change in what Roger thinks is right and what is wrong. When Roger is taken to Mrs. Jones home, he told to wash his face at the sink, as he was walking away from the sink he notices the door ajar, meaning he could make a run for it and escape, “he could make a dash for it down the hall, he could run, run, run!(Hughes 32). This quote/point of view gives a clear entitlement that Roger has had the discovery of need to change. For example, if Roger were to be given this opportunity when he was first caught by Mrs. Jones, he would’ve gladly ran off and escaped. But now, he stays by his own choice, showing obvious change in Roger’s character. In the short story, Roger tries to be helpful, and volunteers to go to the market for her “Do you need someone to go to the store, maybe to get some milk or something?”(Hughes 32). Even though Mrs. Rogers declines the offer, saying “Don’t believe I do”(Hughes 33), Roger still offered to help, proving that Roger wants to make up for what he had just tried to do. Another point this quote proves is that Roger now doesn’t want to escape in any way now (like he used to), and wants to let Mrs. Jones know that as well (by offering to go to the store for her). In conclusion, Roger’s self conflicts lead to the discover or urge of need to change, causing change in Roger’s