In the short story, “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes, Roger was a poor, lonely boy who tried to snatch a woman’s purse, but the woman’s actions cause Roger to become thankful. After Roger tried to take the purse the woman took him home and told him to wash his face “...Ain’t you got nobody home to tell you to wash your face?’ ‘No’m.’ said the boy” (Hughes 110). The woman realizes that Roger must be alone most of the time and needs someone to show him compassion. Following the kind action, Roger understands now that the woman means to help. He wishes to express his gratitude in some way; he wanted this woman to trust him “....He did not trust the woman not to trust him”(Hughes 112). Finally, Roger understands how this woman has helped him