Short Story Thank You, M Am By Langston Hughes

People today grow up with no true life values, some of which try to take the easy way out. In the short story “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes, Roger comes across an elderly wise woman with the intent to steal her purse, but get a surprise of his own. With tough love, Roger experiences something he has yet to learn. A strong-willed, motherly, and compassionate older woman saw an opportunity to enlighten this young man with valuable life lesson he will never forget.
“She reached down, picked the boy up by his shirt front, and shook him until his teeth rattled.” Mrs. Jones was so fearless and strong-willed that she stood up for herself, even when she’s about to be robbed. She was not going to let some young crook in the making take what she had earned. “ ‘ Pick up my pocketbook boy, and give it here! ‘ ” She did not drop her pocketbook, so there was no need for her to pick it up. Roger tried to take it from her, because he fell and dropped it, Mrs. Jones felt that he should show respect and …show more content…
I would teach you right from wrong. Least I can do right now is to wash your face. Are you hungry? ‘ " Mrs. Jones just like any other caring trustful older woman, treated Roger just like one of her own children. In just a short amount of time her motherly instincts kicks in. She cared enough about this young man who just tried to steal her purse, that she took him back to her house fed him, got him washed up, and treated him with hospitality. “She heated some lima beans and ham she had in the icebox, made the cocoa, and set the table.” Just as a mother would, after he washed his face, combed his hair, she made dinner. Knowing he was a troubled young man she kept all questions to herself. Roger tried to steal her purse, and now she wanted him to know who she was, what she was about. Although the conversation was one way, she treated him with respect still. She didn’t want to embarrass the young man, but did want him to understand, and remember