Symbolism In Thank You Ma Am

Essay 2 Outline In “Thank You, Ma’am”, Langston Hughes uses the wisdom of an older woman to teach a child the importance of righteous actions. Mrs. Jones is representative to a motherly figure: through acts of kindness and understanding she aims to make a positive impact on a child’s life. Mrs. Jones, a main character, expresses acts of kindness and compassion towards a child in need of guidance. Instead of ridiculing Roger, the young boy, she empathized with the desperation of his actions. Hughes uses the symbolism of motherhood in Mrs.Jones, to positively influence a young child who lacks parental figures.

Hughes uses elements of humanity to teach his readers a lesson. By showing empathy to those in need of it, can help change their perspective
This symbolism of motherhood is manifested through Mrs. Jones. “When I get through with you, sir, you are going to remember Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones” (Hughes 2). She sounded as if she was a mother punishing her child. She had planned on teaching Roger a valuable life lesson, so that he can learn from his mistakes and correctly guide himself through life. In “Bloom on Langston Hughes”, it states “much of his early life was spent yearning for his mother...who manifested little affection for her only child”. The characterization of Roger could possibly be a representation of Hughes as a chIld. I suggest that Hughes may have liked for a woman such as Mrs. Jones, for a mother. For that night Roger was treated as a son, by a complete stranger. In the beginning, Mrs Jones clearly states “you ought to be my son. I would teach you right from wrong” (Hughes 1). Only a mother or father would be responsible for teaching a child right from wrong. Hughes published “Thank You Ma’am” in 1958 and had associated himself with the communist party. He then refused being a member; due to this he loss many of his good friends. “Unfortunately, he cooperated with McCarthy, and alienated permanently a number of good acquaintances, including W.E.B.Du Bois and Paul Robeson.” This led to Hughes becoming isolated as a person