Thank You M Am Essay

The Kindness of One, the Influence on Many

Mrs. Jones finds herself being mugged by a teenage boy in the streets of her city, and soon goes on the change the thief's life. In the story, Roger is a young, troublemaking teen whose life is changed for the better by Mrs. Jones teachings and strong personality and characteristics. Mrs. Jones is strolling near the streets of her home, when she is startled by a young boy, Roger, attempting to steal her valuable purse. Quickly, she denies his attempt by dragging him down the streets toward her boarding home. This story takes place in Harlem, New York during the 1950s, a time where African-Americans were segregated. Roger, a frail and haggard boy, learns not to mess with Mrs. Jones, a strong, burly woman. In the short story “Thank You M’am” by Langston

Jones proves she is a wise woman. To illustrate, as she catches Roger in an act of robbery, Mrs. Jones declares to Roger, “You ought to be my son, I would teach you right from wrong” (1). Mrs. Jones uses a wise choice of wards in order to send a clear message to Roger. Eventually, Mrs. Jones intelligently uses Roger’s poor behavior in order to teach him a lesson about second chances. Also, at her home, Mrs. Jones tests Roger by leaving him alone with her purse. She tests Roger by leaving him alone with her prized possession, wisely knowing he won’t take the purse and would rather earn her trust. This experience helps teach Together the valuable lesson of trust. Afterward, during Mrs. Jones’s dinner with Roger, “ [Mrs. Jones] did not ask the boy anything about where he lived, or his folks, or anything else that would embarrass him” (3). Mrs. Jones approaches Roger in a wise, clever way so he is comfortable and able to trust her. She attempts to teach Roger the lesson of care and kindness by treating him with such actions. In conclusion, Mrs. Jones’s intelligent character contributes to leading Roger down a better path for