"Thank You, Ma'am" is a short story written by Langston Hughes that tells the tale of a young boy named Roger who tries to steal a purse from a woman named Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. However, instead of turning him over to the authorities or berating him, Mrs. Jones takes Roger under her wing and teaches him a lesson about respect and kindness.
The story begins with Roger, a "big-boned" and "tough-looking" teenager with a "narrow chest" and a "gangling" walk, trying to snatch Mrs. Jones's purse as she walks down the street. Mrs. Jones, who is a large and formidable woman, quickly grabs Roger by the collar and hauls him back to her apartment. Once there, she feeds him dinner and questions him about his home life.
Through their conversation, we learn that Roger's mother has passed away and his father is not present in his life. He is left to fend for himself and often goes without food. Mrs. Jones, feeling sympathy for the boy, decides to give him the money from her purse as a way to help him get back on his feet. She also gives him some words of advice, telling him to "do right" and to "be a good boy."
The story ends with Mrs. Jones walking Roger home, making sure he gets safely to his door before returning to her own apartment. As she walks away, Roger looks back at her and says, "Thank you, ma'am."
One of the main themes of "Thank You, Ma'am" is the power of kindness and compassion. Mrs. Jones could have easily turned Roger over to the authorities or scolded him for his actions, but instead, she chooses to show him kindness and understanding. She recognizes that there is more to Roger's story than just a petty crime and takes the time to listen to him and try to help him.
Another theme of the story is the importance of second chances. Mrs. Jones gives Roger the opportunity to turn his life around and make something of himself. She shows him that it is never too late to change and to do the right thing.
Overall, "Thank You, Ma'am" is a heartwarming tale about the transformative power of kindness and the importance of second chances. It serves as a reminder that, no matter how difficult life may seem, there is always the potential for redemption and growth.