Learning Right From Wrong Aesop once said that “no act of kindness is ever wasted,”and this is definitely proven in the short story “Thank You M’am” by Langston Hughes. This is a story of unexplained empathy and compassion expressed in what begins as a horrible deed. Roger, one of the main characters, attempts to steal the purse of Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. I said attempts because in the end he is unsuccessful in taking any bag, but instead takes away a valuable lesson to be used again and again. In the beginning of the story, Roger had what I’d say were bad ethics and values. He wanted to take Mrs. Jones purse for his own greedy and personal wants but in the end did not succeed. On page two of the story it stated,“‘I wanted a pair of blue suede shoes,’ said the boy.” Everyone in the world wants something, in this case Roger wants a pair of shoes. He probably can’t afford the shoes he wants himself since he acted desperate and decided to steal from Mrs. Jones; which, (if you ask me), displays horrible morals for the time being. …show more content…
On page two of the story it stated, “‘Well, you didn’t have to snatch my pocketbook to get some suede shoes,’ said Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. ‘You could of asked me.’ ‘M’am?’ The water dripping from his face, the boy looked at her. There was a long pause. A very long pause. After he had dried his face and not knowing what else to do dried it again, the boy turned around, wondering what next. The door was open. He could make a dash for it down the hall. He could run, run, run, run, run!” Mrs. Jones is now showing Roger kindness and he is beginning to slowly change himself and his