“The boy wanted to say something else other than “Thank you, ma’m” to Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, but he couldn’t do so as he turned at the barren stoop and looked back at the large women in the door” (33 Hughes). Roger had experiences with Mrs. Jones in “Thank You, Ma’m” by Langston Hughes, like her trusting him, giving him a second chance, and caring for him. These things and more led Roger to change for the greater good.
Mrs. Jones looked away from Roger with the door open, and her purse out in the open after he tried to rob her, which changed Roger’s perspective about trust. “Rodger looked at the door—looked at the woman—looked at the door—and went to the sink”(32 Hughes). Mrs. Jones took her eyes off Roger and gave him the chance to run away. Roger noticed this and wondered why anyone would trust a delinquent that was thieving her. He learned that she trusted him to stay. He became different after this experience because he learned to trust others and give them a chance. He stayed there because he didn’t want to break her faith in him and wanted to do something nice for her. Roger changed because he saw Mrs. Jones give him a
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“ ‘You gonna take me to jail.’ asked the boy, bending over the sink.’ Not with that face I would take you nowhere” (32 Hughes). Roger expected that Mrs. Jones, like any standard person, would turn him in to the police. Instead, she let him wash his dirty face and stay awhile. Roger could relate to her in some ways which led to them being friends. The reason they got to know each other was because of the second chance that was given to Roger. He was grateful to this and learn that giving second chances was better and change the way you feel toward others. Roger’s second chance allowed him to realize he should be more like Mrs. Jones, giving chances and being