By Langston Hughes

THANK YOU, M’AM

About the AuthorLangston Hughes (1902–1967) Birthplace: Joplin, Missouri.

•His early love for reading books was encouraged by his mother, who often took him to the library. •His maternal grandmother had an influence on his future career too. She was a good storyteller, and she often told him about the days of slavery. •The maternal influence and the sense of deep pride in his people (then referred to as Negroes) are evident in all of Hughes’s writing.•At nineteen, Langston enrolled at Columbia University but left after a year.

• He traveled throughout Europe and Africa and worked at many jobs, but he continued writing poetry that praised his race for its beauty and humanity.

• In the 1960s, Hughes chronicled the civil rights movement in the United States.

• His poem “I Dream a World” begins:I dream a world where manNo other man will scornWhere love will bless the earthAnd peace its paths adorn.

• Hughes died in 1967. His plays, poems, and stories are the legacy he left to the American people, who he hoped one day could live in racial harmony

PRESENTABLE

• adj.• respectable, fit to be seen,

acceptable

• “You might run that comb through your hair so you will look presentable.”

BARREN

• Adj

• Unproductive, sterile, desolate, bleak, infertile, unfruitful, empty

• “…he couldn’t even say that as he turned at the foot of the barren stoop and looked up at the large woman in the door.”

MISTRUST

• Verb

• distrust, doubt, suspect, be wary of, be afraid of

• “And he did not want to be mistrusted now.”

http://www.crimelibrary.com/graphics/photos/gangsters_outlaws/gang/harlem_gangs/1-1-Lenox-Avenue-in-Harlem-.jpg

SUEDE

•Noun

•leather with a soft, fuzzy surface

FRAIL, ADJECTIVE• Adj

• Weak; fragile

“He looked as if he were fourteen or fifteen, frail and willow-wild, in tennis shoes and blue jeans.”

LATCHING

Clutching. grasping. Holding, grabbing, seizing

“…do not make the mistake of latching onto my pocketbook nor nobody else’s …”

Pre-Reading

1.Who are the characters in this scene?2.What is happening?3.Where and when is the action taking place?4.Why does the action take place?5.Do you think a chance encounter between people can sometimes change their lives? Think about chance or fate as you read this story.

Literary Term: Dialect

A dialect consists of words or phrases that reflect the regional variety of a language. An author or playwright will often use a regional dialect to make the dialogue more authentic.

Examples of dialect in the story:

ain’t aren’t I didn’t aim to I didn’t intend togonna going to sit you down sit downcould of could have I were I waslate as it be late as it is fix us prepare for u

Idioms and Expressions

Note the following idioms and expressions that appear in the story:

I got a great mind to I shouldget through with finishmake a dash for it run awaytook care was carefulset the table put out plates, glasses,

and so forth

SETTINGPlace

Harlem, New York

Dark walkway & sidewalk

Mrs. Jones’ small flat

One room: bedroom, kitchen, living room, bathroom

Time

Late at night

1950’s

Clues: Blue Suede shoes

HARLEM, NEW YORK (1950’S)

HARLEM, NEW YORK (2000’S)

How do we meet Roger and Mrs. Jones?

What does Mrs. Jones do to Roger?

SUMMARYSUMMARIZE THE PLOT OF “THANK YOU M’AM”

• Why did she share her supper with him after he tried to rob her?

• What happens to Roger at the end of the end of the story?

• Roger was right in the middle of trying to find a way to say thank you to Mrs. Jones when she closed the door in his face. What does this tell you about her personality?

CHARACTERIZATION

Characterization is how a writer gives insight into a character’s personality. Judging from the dialogue of the story, the setting, and your inferences how would you describe the personalities of:

Roger

Mrs. Jones

Could you do the same thing as Mrs. Jones if someone stole something from you? Explain.

Characters in stories show different aspects of human nature. Do you know of anyone like Mrs. Jones?

CONFLICT

• External

• Man vs. Man

• Roger steals Mrs. Jones’ purse

• Internal

• Man vs. Self

• Roger wants to run away but doesn’t want to disappoint Mrs. Jones

THEMES

Right vs. wrong Forgiveness Restitution

DEAR MRS. JONES• Let’s say that it has been 10 years since the incident. • If you were Roger, how would you communicate with Mrs. Jones

through a letter?• Compose a 3-paragraph letter addressed to Mrs. Jones telling

her how you have been and how your encounter changed your life.

• Make sure to include all parts of a friendly letter.• Heading• Greeting• Body• Closing• Signature