Thank You, Ma Am, By Langston Hughes

Thank You, Ma'am” by Langston Hughes is short story about a young boy named Roger who intended on stealing a purse, and instead stumbled upon a very strong and passionate women, Luella Bates Washington Jones who showed him how it felt to be trusted and loved. Roger wanted some blue suede shows, apparently wanted them so bad he would steal from an elder women to get some. During his attempt to do so, he fell to the ground and was forced to succumb to Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones demands. “Pick up my pocketbook, boy, and give it here.” she exclaimed. Now roger feeling ashamed and scared she says “Your face is dirty. I got a great mind to wash your face for you” with that being said she dragged him all the way back to her home. When
they arrived at her home, she finally proceeded to let Roger go and stated that he should go wash his face, with Rogers newfound freedom he could run being that the door is right next to him, but instead decides to walk to the sink. After a few snarky comments are exchanged by Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, she turns around and begins to cook a meal for the two. Not paying much attention to Roger, he noticed she had left her purse out and the door wide open. He could easily steal the money, and leave oh so effortlessly. But decided against it and sat down on the opposite side of where the purse and door was just in the range of vision for Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. He didn't trust the women not to trust him, and he did not want to be mistrusted now. The food was done cooking now and the two began eating, the conversation wasn't about the boy being a thief or about him not having a family but focused more on Mrs. Jones job and what not. After they finished eating, Mrs. Jones handed Roger ten dollars to go and buy the blue suede shoes he wanted, she walked him to the door and wished him a good night. Although roger was extremely grateful and shocked the only words that came to his mind were, Thank You, Ma'am,