Proving Characteristic of Roger in "Thank You Ma'am" short story

Mandy Wabe Jr.

The Great Depression, the world’s most severe economy decline, had destructive effects on people’s lives; there was massive unemployment and many families were struggling to make ends meet. In desperation, many unemployed workers, and frequently their children were driven to petty theft to put food on the table. Roger, a character in the story Thank You Ma’m by Langston Hughes, is one of the victims of this time. Although he tries to rob Mrs. Jones, he does not appear as a professional and skilful thief; he seems to be ashamed of his actions, tries to win Mrs. Jones’ trust, and eventually feels thankful for everything she has done for him.

When Mrs. Jones were able to fight back from Roger's attemption of snatching her purse, he appears to be non skillful thief. While he is in Mrs. Jones house, he stays quiet unless he is been asked, he speak with a low voice, and even apologizes to Mrs. Jones by saying “Lady I’m sorry” (line #29). If he is a professional thief, he would appear to be confident and not seem to be embarrassed. Therefore, we can easily say that he is sorry of what he has done, just by analyzing through his action and what he say.

During his stay in Mrs.Jones house, he doesn’t only prove that he’s regretful but also gives the impression of trying to earn Mrs.Jones trust by showing it through his action. When Mrs. Jones leaves her purse unattended with Roger, Roger makes an effort to avoid temptation as he sit on the far side of the room, away from the purse, where he believes she can easily see him. Given this opportunity, a professional thief would have taken this chance to take the purse and and makes a escape but Roger doesn’t. Roger also offers to go for some groceries for her, in particular, he asks if she wants somebody to to the store to buy some milk or something. In Roger’s point of view, if he were given the money, it would be a great chance for him to prove that he can be reliable because if he comes back with the groceries, he demonstrates of a characteristics of a trustworthy person.

As Roger volunteers her help to win Mrs. Jones trust, this can also be a way of him expressing his appreciation towards her generosity. She washed him, fed him, gave him some financial support and even shared her similar life experience in the past, instead of punishing him. Roger tries to steal Mrs. Jones purse because he wants a blue suede shoes but she makes him realize that “shoes got by devilish ways will burn your feet”
(line #190-191). In the end, Roger acknowledges the fact that Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones assists him to become aware of his actions such as the incident that occurs between them, Mrs. Jones told him not to ever make the same mistake of latching onto her purse nor nobody else is. Before he leaves her apartment “wanted to say something other than Thank you Ma’am” (line#200) but he doesn't know how

Therefore, Roger is just one of the victims along with many people during the Depression. When Mrs. Jones catches him he seems to be regretful for his attempt to steal her purse, he wants to earn her trust and eventually he feels grateful for everything she has done for him and for the valuable lesson she had share him.