Table of ContentsThe Premise and BackgroundImplications Showing That Not Everything Exists in Black and WhiteConclusionWorks CitedLangston Hughes, one of the world's most famous poets, was known for his literary art and jazz poetry created during the Harlem Renaissance. He was a social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist who attended Lincoln University to study the lives and history of African Americans. “Thank You Madam” was published in 1958, a period of violent segregation between blacks and whites, and became one of Hughes' most famous short stories. It revolves around the theme of second chances, teaching the audience that very few things can be categorically defined as black or white. The complete story of “Merci Madame” is full of meaning which remains relevant even in modern times, which is why a literary analysis is necessary to gain insight into the plot and reveal the different layers of it. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The premise and framework A brief summary is required before moving on to the analysis Thank you Madam. Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones is a black woman who returns home after a long day at work around eleven o'clock in the evening. She carries a purse full of money in a way that is immediately visible to other people walking beside her. While the street appears empty, it is not, and at one point a boy jumps forward and attempts to steal the purse. It's about Roger, a poor young man who desperately needs basic things, like blue suede shoes. His attempted flight fails and he falls, with Mrs. Jones kicking and scolding him mercilessly. Later, however, she takes him to her apartment where she mothers him, letting him wash and feed him. When the boy confesses why he needed the money, she gives it to him, and he feels so overwhelmed that he has difficulty expressing something as simple as words of gratitude. The events of "Thank You Ma'am" take place in two specific settings, namely an empty street and Mrs. Jones' house. This woman works in a beauty salon and based on this fact alone it can be assumed that she lives in the North because in the South African American women were not able to obtain such employment at that time. Roger also mentioned that he wanted blue suede shoes, which are a reference to Elvis Presley. Her song called "Blues Suede Shoes" was popular in the 1950s. No doubt, at first glance, the protagonist of "Thank You Ma'am" is Mrs. Jones, with Roger playing the role of her enemy, but things turn out to be more complicated. They do not become enemies and one does not triumph over the other. Rather, Mrs. Jones partially heals Roger's emotional wounds, showing him kindness and support. Hughes uses the third point of view to describe the situation, but despite this, each moment feels extremely personal due to his unique writing style. The subtext he created is rich with meaning and important implications. Implications Showing That Not Everything Exists in Black and White Langston Hughes, who wrote the story, clearly did not intend for his characters to be empty and stereotypical. If Roger appears at first glance as the antagonist of “Thank You Ma'am”, his character is far from being a one-dimensional villain. In turn, Ms. Jones is a strong and pragmatic person, but she is also non-judgmental. Despite her tall and intimidating physical appearance, she has a good heart, something Roger desperately needs. Stealing anything is a wrong and flawed decision at all.