The coming of age in "Thank You Ma'am" is characterized by the realization that one's actions have consequences and the importance of showing kindness and compassion towards others.
At the start of the text, the main protagonist, Roger, attempts to steal a pocketbook from a woman named Ms. Jones. When she confronts him in a manner that is influential to Roger, this act of immaturity and initial influence is the first sign of the theme that emerges.
The coming of age theme in "Thank You Ma'am" is shown through the realization that actions have consequences and the importance of kindness towards others. This theme develops through the interactions between Roger and Mrs. Jones, leading to Roger's understanding of these lessons and their growth as a person.
Evidence #1 (Quote A): “Pick up my pocketbook, boy, and give it here.” “Now ain’t you ashamed of yourself?”
Evidence #2 (Quote B): “ “Um-hum! And your face is dirty. I got a great mind to wash your face for you. Ain’t you got nobody home to tell you
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Jones, you could of asked me.”
Imagery is a literary technique that uses descriptive language to create mental images for the reader. In "Thank You, Ma'am," Langston Hughes uses imagery to help the reader visualize the characters and setting and to convey emotions and mood. For example, Hughes describes Mrs. Jones as a large woman with a large purse and the street as dark and lonely. These descriptions help the reader understand and connect with the characters and setting of the story.
Growing up, Langston Hughes, the author of the short story, “Thank You Ma’am” felt lonely, similar to Roger within the storyline, where both of them feel as if they have no one to care for them. Also, Hughes often wrote about the lives and experiences of African Americans, and Roger can be seen as a representative of the issues he covered in his