IndexThe premise and settingImplications showing that not everything exists in black and whiteConclusionWorks CitedLangston Hughes, one of the world's most famous poets, was known for his art literary 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 represented by the violent segregation between blacks and whites, and became one of Hughes' most famous short stories. It revolves around the theme of second chances, teaching audiences that very few things can be categorically defined as black or white. The complete story of “Thank You Madam” is full of meaning that remains relevant even in modern times, which is why literary analysis is needed to overview the plot and reveal its layers. We say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Premise and Setting A brief summary is in order before moving on to the “Thank you ma’am” analysis. Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones is a black woman who is returning home after a long day at work around eleven o'clock in the evening. She carries a bag full of money in a way that is immediately visible to other people walking beside her. Even though the street seems empty, it isn't and at a certain point a boy jumps forward and tries to steal the bag. This is Roger, a poor young man who desperately needs some basic things, such as blue suede shoes. His attempted theft 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 bathe and feed him. When the boy admits why he needed the money, she gives it to him, and he feels so overwhelmed that he struggles to express something as simple as words of gratitude. The events of “Thank You Ma'am” take place in two specific environments, namely a deserted street and Mrs. Jones' house. This woman works in a beauty salon and based on this fact alone one can assume that she lives in the North because, in the South, African American women were not able to secure jobs like this at that time. Roger also said he wants blue suede shoes, which are a reference to Elvis Presley. His song titled "Blues suede Shoes" was popular in the 1950s. Undoubtedly, at first glance, the protagonist of “Thank You Ma'am” is Mrs. Jones, with Roger as her enemy, but things turn out to be more complicated. They do not become enemies and one does not surpass the other. In contrast, Mrs. Jones partially heals Roger's emotional wounds by showing him kindness and support. Hughes uses the third point of view to describe the situation, but despite this, every moment feels extremely personal thanks to his unique writing style. The subtext he created is full of meaning and important implications. Implications that show that not everything exists in black and white Langston Hughes, who wrote the story, clearly did not intend to make his characters empty and stereotyped. Although at first glance Roger appears to be the antagonist of “Thank You Ma'am,” his character is far from a one-dimensional villain. In turn, Mrs. Jones is a strong and down-to-earth kind of person, but she also doesn't judge. Despite his bulky and intimidating physical appearance, he is kind-hearted, something Roger desperately needs. Stealing anything is a wrong and imperfect decision from any point of view, but at the same time it can be understood depending on.