Question

thank you, m’am
by langston hughes
1938
langston hughes (1902 - 1967) was an american poet, social activist, novelist, and playwright. hughes is considered one of the leaders of the harlem renaissance, which was the cultural, social, and artistic movement of black artists that took place in harlem from about 1918 until the mid - 1930s. in this short story, a boy tries to steal a woman’s purse to buy himself a pair of shoes. as you read, take notes on how roger’s character changes during his time with mrs. luella bates washington jones.
1 she was a large woman with a large purse that had everything in it but hammer and nails. it had a long strap, and she carried it slung across her shoulder. it was about eleven o’clock at night, and she was walking alone, when a boy ran up behind her and tried to snatch her purse. the strap broke with the single tug the boy gave it from the purse. but the combined weight caused him to lose his balance so, instead of taking off full blast as he had hoped, the boy fell on his back on the sidewalk, and his legs flew up. the large woman simply turned around and kicked him right square in his blue - jeaned sitter. then she reached down, picked the boy up by his shirt front, and shook him until his teeth rattled.
after that the woman said, “pick up my pocketbook, boy, and give it here.” she still held him firmly gripped by his shirt front. the boy said, “yes’m.”
but she bent down enough to permit him to stoop and pick up her purse. then she said, “now ain’t you ashamed of yourself?”
the woman said, “what did you want to do it for?”
text - dependent questions
directions: for the following questions, choose the best answer or respond in complete sentences.

1. which statement best expresses the theme of the story?

a. it can be difficult for children to learn right from wrong when they are bad influences around them.
b. people are more likely to learn and practice good behavior when it is taught to them with kindness.
c. children often do not understand that adults have encountered the same challenges they have.
d. it is best to assume the worst in people, as situations can easily be misunderstood.

1. which detail from the text best supports the author’s message about treating other people?

a. “you ought to be my son. i would teach you right from wrong. least i can do right now is to wash your face. are you hungry?” (paragraph 16)
b. “there’s nobody home at my house,” said the boy. (paragraph 27)
c. “i believe you’re hungry—or been hungry—to try to snatch my pocketbook.” (paragraph 23)
d. “after a while she said, ‘i were young once and i wanted things i could not get.’” (paragraph 29)

1. why does roger want to thank mrs. luella bates washington jones at the end of the story?

a. roger wants to thank mrs. jones because he is trying to steal from her.
b. roger recognizes that mrs. jones did not report him to the police and wants to help his family.
c. roger learns that people can be trustworthy, even though he was suspicious of mrs. jones at first.
d. roger realizes that mrs. jones invited him to her home because she is lonely and wants his company.

Explanation:

1. The story centers on Mrs. Jones showing kindness to Roger, a boy who tried to steal from her, which leads to his growth. This aligns with the idea that kindness is an effective way to teach good behavior.
2. The author's message about treating others is supported by Mrs. Jones sharing her own past mistakes with Roger, showing empathy rather than punishment.
3. Roger wants to thank Mrs. Jones because he recognizes she trusted him instead of punishing him, and he regrets his attempt to steal.

Answer:

1. B. People are more likely to learn and practice good behavior when it is taught to them with kindness.
2. D. "After a while she said, 'I were young once and I wanted things I could not get,'" (Paragraph 33)
3. A. Roger appreciates the faith that Mrs. Jones has in him and regrets trying to steal from her.