Literary Analysis Essay of Langston Hughes ‘Thank You Ma’am’
Langston Hughes short story entitled ‘Thank You Ma’am’ is a unique piece that examines the interaction between Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones and Roger. It presents readers the notion of goodness and how it remains to be a personal decision and not necessarily influenced by social norms and standards. By using dialogue among the two characters, Hughes is able to convey a language that is easy to understand and also bring forward the colloquial nature of African American literature. These depictions remain to be effective particularly in portraying the context of the story and advancing important themes.
Analyzing the piece, one of the themes that stood out in the story corresponds to reality of trust and how it is evident with the action of Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. Though she has been victimized by Roger for attempting to steal, she completely trusts the culprit and even brings him to her home (Hughes 1). Based from the piece, Hughes is able to create a personality that recognizes the personality of Roger as not just a thief but rather as an individual who is misguided and needs to be given an opportunity to enjoy the fine things in life. It is through this reason that the protagonist sought to trust the boy completely and provide Roger an opportunity for redemption.
Upon closer examination, the story also promotes dignity and freedom, especially to Roger. This can clearly be seen with the effort taken by Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones to help the boy who tried to steal from him. In particular, the process of dignity can be seen when she asked for the boy’s name. She wanted to communicate with Roger of who she is. Likewise, the offer for cleanliness and food also promotes the level of dignity as Roger is subjected to human compassion and sympathy despite his actions (Suttor 1). Even if society dictates that the actions of Roger are treated with disdain, the woman still chose to understand his case beyond the offense he has committed. Arguably, this demonstrates the freedom of the woman and highlights that amidst the labels and norms, the choice still remains to be with the individual.
Based on these themes, the lesson imparted by Hughes story reflects the values and benevolence of Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones in doing the thing that she believes is right. Instead of labeling the young Roger as a criminal, she saw that the boy needed help and guidance of an adult (A Quest for Change 1). This unconventional way of treating someone who committed a mistake recognizes beyond the negative act and finds goodness and ways for the man to redeem for his actions. Even if Hughes does not provide a way to see this, it highlighted the significance of life choices and lessons that were gained by the eccentric approach taken by the old woman.
Overall, Langston Hughes story provides readers with a deeper context of goodness in the story ‘Thank You Ma’am’. With emphasis on the nature of freedom, self-esteem and second chances, Hughes is able to advance these objectives with the use of powerful dialogue especially with Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. Equally, through the use of cadence and accents, the author is also able to create a unique reading experience as it bares to audiences the moral lesson of the story and the sincerity of actions taken by a woman who was victimized. All these then bring forward the realization surrounding the manner we react to actions committed against us. Rather than trying to find an excuse or ways to persecute someone, it takes guts and sincerity for someone to actually reach out and do the opposite thing.
Works Cited
A Quest for Change. Thank You Ma’am by Langston Hughes, 20 Oct. 2010. Web. Accessed 18 August 2014.
Hughes, Langston. ‘Thank You, Ma’am’ ESUHSD.org.n.d. Web. Accessed 18 August 2014.
Suttor, Marijane. ‘Short Story Reviews thank you Mam by Langston Hughes’ Humanities 360. Web. 18 Sept. 2011. Web. Accessed 18 August 2014.
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