A Central Theme Of Thank You Ma Am, By Langston Hughes

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A central theme in the short story “Thank you Ma 'am” by Langston Hughes is a little kindness goes a long way. One act of kindness can change a person’s life forever. Her unnecessary kindness made a major impact on Roger and changes him. As the story progresses, we see that Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones shows empathy and kindness for Roger. That kindness appears to pass onto Roger near the end of the story. Roger, once selfish and dishonest, becomes more cooperative and polite. Her actions towards the boy influenced his actions. Mrs. Jones’s impact was first apparent when she had Roger stay and eat dinner with her. Scared and confused, Roger didn’t understand why she was being so hospitable even through he had tried stealing from her.